Jane Austen’s, Pride and Prejudice is definitely one of my all time favourite novels plus being a bit of a purest (therefore prejudice), it wasn’t boding well personally at the interval, sadly even considered going home. Then I gave myself a talking to, everyone else seems to be enjoying it, the cast were having a whale of a time and the energy was great, so with a better attitude I thoroughly enjoyed the second half.
The story if you are unfamiliar (like how could you be ?) the Bennett family have five unmarried daughters, one of which at least has to marry well, as back then only males of the family inherit so their estate once the newspaper (father) dies goes to the awful Mister Collins the cousin.
The play (romp) by Isobel McArthur, with contemporary songs, takes it’s backbone from Jane Austen’s original 1813 novel, but with a crazy comedic slant. The cast of five women start the play performing as a servants and then with quick as lightening costume changes we start to meet the characters from the book, clever.
Dannie Harris leads brilliantly as Mrs Bennet , and the famous Mr Darcy, one scene was particularly funny when at Pemberley we have the living moving portrait .
Pop songs karaoke are part and parcel of this production which the microphone being either being handed on a plate or being wrestled , included Young Hearts Run Free, WillYou Love Me Tomorrow?, You’re So Vain, and Pulp’s Something Changed, Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh ,this song got the greatest laugh.
The production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play 2022 , yes deservedly so.
On until 1st April, get your tickets from www.trch.co.uk
Review by Ann Taylor
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