Pride and Prejudice – Shakespeare North Playhouse

After their greatly received production of ‘Strange Tale’ at the same venue last year, Imaginarium Theatre’s latest performance was hotly anticipated. Though some may stray from this type of re-telling when they are unfamiliar with the original tale, Imaginarium, I’m pleased to write, has achieved a very good balance in terms of audience accessibility as it centres on the essence of the 19^th century classic whilst incorporating many relatable quirks.

The Bennet family are loud, colourful and a smack in the face for ridding any pre-meditations of Georgian England. Lily Kelly’s Elizabeth was the most grounded performance and countered humorously by Kim Bennett’s bouncy namesake Mrs Bennett. Fully of energy and verve, these Bennett’s were exactly what is to be expected of Imaginarium: a good laugh.

That cannot be said, however, for the pomp of the Mr Darcy and the Bingleys. Daniel Owen’s male lead was striking and centred, if not a bit too stiff. The depiction of the bourgeois new neighbours was mostly well delivered, if not verging on the stereotypical or caricature.

Amber-Page Moss’ Jane Austen cameo was a perceptive addition to the story, one that gave it the needed direction and focus that was flagging by the end of the first half.

Rob Brannan’s take on Austen has family at its heart. Pride still wins over prejudice and the audience still falls in love with these characters. There are some new additions, like a plucky Survey Woman (Aimee Greenhalgh) and a giddy Sickboy (Kieran Kettle), which detract from the main storyline as they may have been added to meet cast numbers. Nonetheless, they added to the entertainment and delivered some of the best lines of the night.

To any Austen fans that may be considering attending, you will be pleasantly surprised that her lofty language does get sprinkled in. Powerful and full-bodied duologues between Mr Darcy and Lizzy are worth the wait as they provide the emotional depth the piece had previously lacked. Delivered with flare they are at loggerheads with words, a few fantastic moments (ones that should have come in more often) to the production and an apt homage to the great love story.

Audience members will be treated to more than they bargain for. Imaginarium, like their name alludes, will surprise you with other performances throughout the evening and they are a delight to witness. Anyone travelling by public transport may have to check their watches during the night as the performance stretches near the three hour mark by the bows. However, a great and creative portrayal of local talent in a wonderful venue.

Reviewer: Hannah Esnouf

Reviewed: 7th February 2024

North West End UK Rating: