Review: Death Comes to Pemberley (Richmond Theatre)

Review by Rosie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you thought the drama at Pemberley ended when Elizabeth Bennet finally said yes to Mr Darcy, think again. In this new adaptation of crime writer PD James’ Death Comes to Pemberley, Jane Austen’s genteel world collides with the intrigue of a murder mystery. Following a season at the charming Mill at Sonning, the show concludes its short UK tour with a final stop at the stunning Richmond Theatre.

Death comes to Pemberley opens with the Darcys preparing for their annual ball at Pemberley. All the stereotypes of a Regency period piece are firmly met, salacious gossip, marriage arrangements, meddling matriarchs and, of course, empire line dresses, only for the evening to be disrupted by a murder in the woods. Lydia Wickham bursts in, hysterical, alerting those at Pemberley of the incident. What follows is a slow unravelling of secrets, suspicions, and strained relationships.

James Bye’s Mr Darcy is stoic and conflicted, while Jamie-Rose Duke’s Elizabeth is principled and poised. Both performances are solid, but the chemistry between them is curiously absent, their interactions lacking the warmth and fire that made their original love story so compelling. For a play that revisits their relationship, it feels like a missed opportunity not to lean into their dynamic more fully. Indeed, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy are two of the most iconic literary characters, and certainly one of the most famous fictional couples. So, it’s surprising, and a little disappointing, to see them portrayed here, as a pair who seem more burdened by their marriage than impassioned by it.

The rest of the cast also provide polished performances. Mogali Masuku is a standout as both Lydia Wickham and Louisa Bidwell, bringing chaotic energy and comic timing in one scene then relatable vulnerability and tenderness in the next. Sam Woodhams plays George Wickham with just the right amount of charm and menace, again with a dual role as Will Bidwell, showing his skills as an actor as he switches between the two. In some circumstances, however, the doubling up, and sometimes even tripling, of roles doesn’t work. With not enough difference between characters’ mannerisms and even costumes to differentiate between characters causing some confusion, and an unfortunate slowing of pace.

For fans of Jane Austen there are some lovely nods to Austen’s original text, with lines that will make fans smile in recognition. These moments of homage are among the play’s strongest, reminding us of the source material’s enduring appeal. Death Comes to Pemberley showcases an intriguing meeting of genres, however, the suspense never quite grips. The pacing is often uneven, with long stretches of exposition that sap the energy from the stage.

The play seems to not really know what it wants to be, a regency period piece, but without the wit of Austen's writing, and at times a whodunnit, but without the pace and suspense one needs from the genre. The first act seems to meander slowly whilst the second act appears rushed with an anti-climactic trial scene and some plot holes that don’t seem to be tied up. The popular TV adaptation of the same novel is a full series, and perhaps the story had too much to fit neatly into a two-hour play.

Sean Cavanagh’s set design is elegant and evocative, and does well to capture the grandeur of Pemberley as well as the gloom and expanse of the surrounding woods, though the large stage of Richmond Theatre did appear too sparse at times. The lighting by Mike Robertson added a moody touch, especially in the forest scenes, while Natalie Titchener’s costumes will no doubt delight those familiar with the regency style. Live piano accompaniment added a charming layer of authenticity, grounding the production in its regency setting and enhancing some of the emotional beats.

Death Comes to Pemberley is a curious blend of genres that never quite finds its footing. It will undoubtedly delight some Austen fans, especially those eager to revisit familiar characters and settings. It’s a beautifully staged production with committed performances, but ultimately, it felt like a play that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.

Death Comes to Pemberley plays at Richmond Theatre until Saturday 13th September 2025, tickets and more information can be found here - Death Comes to Pemberley Tickets | Richmond Theatre in Richmond | ATG Tickets

Photos by Pamela Raith