Welcome to the story of Jane Austin’s most famous novel Pride & Prejudice like you have never seen it before. This is not a serene period drama, but a love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and the Bennet’s family race against time to get their five daughters married off for financial security. Yes it is familiar, but this is five women calling themselves the ‘servants of house’ telling the story from a whole new perspective. Right from the first few lines you start to get a feel of what is to come ‘in a good way’ comedy, mayhem and female drama. The story lands in the present day, with familiar language and terminology, including expletives not for the faint hearted which drew gasps from the audience.
The five female performers acted out ‘all’ the roles which was incredible! From the sisters, Mrs Bennet, Mr Darcy, Mr Wickham, Mr Collins and Charles Bingley, plus more; aka the cast Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna Mc Greevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel. What a cast they are, their comedy timing impeccable, let alone impressive. Each character had presence, comedy lines that flowed through the story like a white water river taking everything ‘the audience in its wake. It fast, furious but so funny delivered with undeterred ease, like they had been doing this for years. The sisters with their regional accents added a ‘je ne sais quoi’ to what was a masterclass to behold energetic, synchronised performance.
The musical score featured many well-known songs that referenced well within the story lines and the characters personality, ‘you’re so vain’ the song Elizabeth Bennet sang to Mr Darcy, ‘Every day I write the book’ (from the Rocky Horror show) Always on my mind, Elvis, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s skit on Lady In Red by Chris de Burgh got a laugh. All the songs capturing the themes of the story lines and characterisation of each of Jane Austin’s infamous characters we have all come to know and love, The set changes are also carried out by the women, from using simplistic feather dusters, to chairs, tables, pianos moved around the stage like chess pieces; remarkable as this was not only necessary but became part of the comedic effect, not distracting at all from the core messages of the story. It didn’t create any silent moments, or awkward moves quite the opposite the objects elevated the sublime talent of these 5 women, which is so important with a small cast.
It is probably a good idea you know the story of Pride and Prejudiced before you go as this just amplifies the experience. Not a problem if not, as be prepared to be entertained and bask in thie game changing talent of these young women from their and acting prowess, singing voices and versatility of performance, indulge yourself in the comedic genius that Isobel McArthur and Jos Houben have created.
Wow! The women will appeal to audiences across the country. You leave wanting more, which is a true testament to the writing, music and all the creatives who have put Pride & Prejudice (Sort of) together. Is it a musical, is it play or a range of comedy sketches, it all of them, brilliant.
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 24th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
The Original Story Book by Jane Austin
Director Isobel McARTHUR
Assistant Director Finlay GLEN
Set & Costume Designer Ana Ines JABARES-PITA
Musical Supervisor Michael John MCCARTHY
Comedy Supervisor Jos HOUBEN
Running time 2hrs 30mins with a 15-minute Interval
Running at the Richmond Theatre until March 1st 2025