McArthur's genius vision means this faithful staging of the story is given a shakeup as it's performed by an all-female cast of 5 who are outstanding throughout in swapping effortlessly between multiple roles often within seconds. The joy in this production is infectious and you can't help but smile as you are swept along by it all.
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| Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
McArthur adds plenty of modern elements including innuendos, songs and the occasional swear word. The witty and light tone is deliciously delivered throughout with great fun. The delivery of the comedy is sublime, with even the slightest glance sometimes gaining a laugh.
The design is really clever using Jabares-Pita's set it becomes a playground for fun and for the story to play out. The use of the various entrances and exits aids in the switching of the roles. Jabares-Pita's fantastic design continues into the fabulous period costumes that expertly aid in telling the tale and distinguishing which character is which. The use of Colin Grenfell's lighting design also helps in setting the tone of a scene, be that a lighter moment of joy or a more serious moment, the colour palette helps tonally.
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| Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
As mentioned the 5 performers who bring to life this story are outstanding in their delivery and timing. They are truly a delight to watch.
Naomi Preston Low is an excellent Elizabeth Bennet, she carries the role superbly with a punchy heart as the romance with Mr Darcy plays out. The softness underneath the exterior is wonderfully captured. Rhianna McGreevy expertly switches between Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcy. The larger-than-life expressions as Mrs Bennet, the leader of the household who has hope for romance and the future of the family, compared to the po-faced Darcy.
Christine Steel is brilliant as Jane, her softness makes you instantly connect to the character. Her skill in switching up completely is amazing. The staunch 'Lady In Red' Lady Catherine is tremendously captured. Emma Rose Creaner is a hoot to watch in every moment she is on the stage. Be that Charlotte Lucas or the more sneering Bingleys.
Susie Barrett is magnificent playing with the humour and the delivery of it adds great laughter. Her Lydia Bennett is great but it's her Mr Collins that really stands out.
The skill of the 5 of the performers is really what makes this production so much fun to watch. They are really engaging to watch and sprinkle so much of their own expressive fun throughout.
The clever placement of music throughout adds another layer to the production. Microphones are placed around the set or hidden in props with cracking vocals and harmonies performed. The production ends on a riotous version of 'Young Heart Run Free' and sends you back into the world on a real high.
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| Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
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Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) plays at Northampton's Royal and Derngate until Saturday 5th October 2024. Visit https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/ for tickets. The tour continues with dates booking until June 2025. Visit https://prideandprejudicesortof.com/ for full details.
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