It’s the 1880s, and in Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel, the five Bennet sisters are seeking love and the security of marriage while navigating society’s rules, expectations and challenges. It is a story that is well known by most people – even if only through film or television – but it is a story that still resonates. A story of a young woman who knows what she wants, and that is to find love her way.
That story is brilliantly told in this adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by writer Isobel McArthur, who also directs the production. Her goal was to make Austen’s novel more accessible, and she has absolutely done that. By promoting the use of regional accents, by weaving modern music and vocabulary into the script, and by providing a visual setting that is easily and quickly understood by modern audiences, McArthur and her creative team skilfully open the pages of this story in a creative and engaging way. They add useful insights into the politics and socioeconomics at play, while also retaining every key element of the beloved classic.
The cast of five women play an astounding number of roles between them: the familiar characters from the story, and crucially, their servants – who provide narration and commentary throughout. Each of the five are outstanding: Georgia May Firth, Eva Hope, Phoebe Marshall, Roxanne Morgan and Julia Murray. They play heroes and villains with equal drama, their love stories feel powerfully authentic and hopeful, and their costume and accent changes are swift and flawless. I can only imagine the work that went in to creating such an intricate piece of work and then making it look effortless. Credit must go too to the backstage crew – the stage management team, lighting and sound technicians, and others – who were unseen, but whose impeccable timing ensured every moment hit its mark.
Nothing about the set or the costumes, designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, was overly complex, but visually the whole production was so coherent. The clear colour signatures helped to clearly identify characters at first glance, and the performance space was quickly and effectively transformed into any one of the houses or outside spaces – the latter being beautifully enhanced by Ryan Joseph Stafford’s lighting design.
There are so many things to love about this production. I thought the use of the whole space was very clever (don’t miss the pre-show in the auditorium!). I applaud the cast’s perfect comic timing and their never being afraid of a pause. The modern twists on props that appeared throughout the play were really fun. I enjoyed the use of modern music, which was well chosen to ensure that there was something for everyone. And I loved that this production celebrates women, celebrates feminism and independence, and still celebrates and champions love.
I tried really hard to single out a moment or an actor for particular praise, but the truth is, I can’t. The script is constantly and consistently clever and funny, and all five actors juggled characters, accents, relationships and props with the perfect balance of class and comedy. I can’t recommend this show enough!
Pride & Prejudice (*sort of) continues at the Buxton Opera House until Saturday 10 October 2026. More details and ticket information can be found on the website: https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/. The production then continues on tour at venues across the United Kingdom through into 2027. Tour information can be found here: https://prideandprejudicesortof.com/tour-dates/.
Reviewer: Jo Tillotson
Reviewed: 5th October 2026
North West End UK Rating: