Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) – Festival Theatre

Accomplished Scottish writer, actor and director, Isobel McArthur, has taken the old adage, while the cats away the mice will play and crafted an absolute winner in Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of). It is hilarious and superbly performed by an ensemble of talented actors.

Costume changes happen as if Houdini were channeled (or maybe Derren Brown with his clever psychology and hypnotism). Characters leave the stage and re-enter at the speed of light, transformed into a newly minted persona! It is brilliant! It is funny! It is hugely entertaining and modern. Of course, the occasional black-out and the odd bit of glitter ball dancing all elevate the fun, thanks to the lighting designer, Colin Grenfell.

The cast can sing, dance and act their socks off and when this is combined with an ingenious script and spot-on direction, you cannot fail to have anything but a happy team. The entire ensemble consists of Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low, Christine Steel, Susie Barrett, Isobel Donkin and Georgia May Firth – all rotating on the field on different nights, with a manager akin to Sarina Wiegman, ensuring the goals keep coming. This well-oiled ensemble invites the audience into their madcap antics to lap up the joy and mayhem!

The set is delightful. Ana Inés chose the perfect blue for the era and the sweep of stairs adds scope for action, while echoing the grandeur of the Regency era.

Songs were ideally chosen, enhancing the dizzy wit and showcasing the skill of this wonderful young cast. Their vivacity and joie de vivre is truly engaging. I loved the range of props – so clever and comical and I enjoyed the cast sweeping things in and out, transforming the stage before our very eyes. Everything worked like a machine. Bravo! I am convinced that Jane Austen is in need of no persuasion at all to offer her seal of approval, Ms McArthur.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 22nd April 2025

North West End UK Rating: