Review by Daz Gale
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that after a single West End show in possession of a good fortune of critical acclaim must be in want of a UK tour upon the end of the run. That’s what has happened with Pride & Prejudice (sort of). After its West End run finished in 2022, earning itself an Olivier Award in the process, the show quickly embarked on a UK tour and has been a regular fixture at venues around the country ever since, now back in London (sort of) for a short run at Richmond Theatre. Having loved it in the West End and not seen it for myself in over three years, I jumped at the chance for a return visit but would it prove as enthralling the second time around?
Based on Jane Austen’s most iconic love story Pride and Prejudice, the timeless novel that has been thrilling readers for centuries now with countless adaptations on TV, film and stage, Pride& Prejudice (sort of) attempts to do something a bit different with the story, bringing it into the 21st Century in a very fresh take on it. The essence of the story is still there with the trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters and the various men they meet along the way, only this time with more four-letter words and a bit of a karaoke.
Written by Isobel McArthur (after Jane Austen), Pride & Prejudice (sort of) is an inspired modern retelling of the story whose main aim is to provide pure joy for its audience through silliness and chaos. McArthur’s writing never misses, finding the funny in every situation and clearly having the time of her life ramping up the ridiculous factor. Descending into farce at times, the one consistent throughout is the strength of McArthur’s writing – her ability to know the perfect time to drop a four-letter word means she never misses and the laughs don’t stop coming. As silly as this show can be, the intelligence of it can’t be underestimated as the amount of skill it takes to write something as funny and madcap as this while still managing to keep the story ticking along really shows as a testament to McArthur’s genius.
Though the set understandably isn’t quite as glamorous as its West End counterpart, McArthur’s direction proves you need nothing more than a staircase and a series of incredibly quick changes for this production with a great use of lighting from Colin Grenfell allowing for cast members to replace each other in a moment’s blackout. Having spent more time on the production since starring in it West End run, McArthur has allowed for new details to emerge in the direction, breathing new life into it and, in some regards, bettering the original. With a great eye for humour in both the dialogue and physical side, Pride & Prejudice (sort of) will have your sides threatening to split… though we wouldn’t want the house staff (an inspired choice to have them bookend the show before transforming) to have to clean anything more if that were to happen.
I mentioned karaoke earlier and that word may strike the fear of God into some people but I defy them to not fall in love at the use of music, however unexpected it may be. As cast members pull out microphones from unlikely places and hit their karaoke machine, it may sound tacky but it’s more charming than anything and creates no shortage of fun. With Bonnie Tyler and Chris De Burgh among the artists included and classic songs such as ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ and a hilarious inclusion of ‘You’re So Vain’, by the time you get to the joyous finale of ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, your heart has been well and truly captured.
Every role in Pride & Prejudice (sort of) is taken on by a fantastic cast of five, played by Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel. Appearing, at first, as the house staff, they take on each of the Bennet sisters, Charles Bingley and, of course, Mr Darcy, to name but a few. Each a star in their own right, it’s impossible to separate them as they work collectively as a cast of five to deliver an incredible ensemble performance, bouncing off each other and featuring the kind of chemistry and captivating dynamic most could only dream of.
Sometimes, you want nothing more from a trip to the theatre than to forget life’s problems for a couple of hours and experience a hit of pure joy. This is where Pride & Prejudice (sort of) really delivers. Not taking itself too seriously, the fun the cast are having is infectious, ensuring a grin is fixed to your face throughout. Riotously funny and brilliantly staged, the result is a charming show that is impossible not to fall in love with. Though Jane Austen purists may not be so enamoured by the inclusion of so much profanity, I’d argue it actually adds to the piece and imagine this show Jane may have written it in 21st Century. It’s no wonder to see why this show has gone from strength to strength since its 2018 premiere, and it feels like it has so much more to give in the years to come. Everyone involved in bringing this sensational show to life should feel incredibly proud – and I say that without prejudice… sort of.
Pride & Prejudice (sort of) is at Richmond Theatre until 1st March and tours the UK until 14th June. Dates and tickets at www.prideandprejudicesortof.com
Photos by Mihaela Bodlovic