Reviewed by Beth
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has become somewhat of a cult classic. With countless adaptations including the much-beloved BBC series featuring THAT famous lake scene, creatives of stage and screen alike are returning to the source material to provide hours of endless fun, gossip and swooning.
Plied and Prejudice, beginning its life in Australia and now performing at The Vaults in London, is one such adaptation, promising a perfect night out in regency era England. Whether it be a night out with the girls or a family affair, you are guaranteed to leave the theatre smiling from ear to ear and, if it takes your fancy, plied with themed cocktails and ready to dance the night away.
The premise of Plied and Prejudice is simple; five actors, twenty roles and a whistle-stop tour of Austen’s famous story. A modern retelling for both fans of the original and Austen novices alike.
The execution, though, is anything but simple with the actors racing from costume to costume and scene to scene with hilarity and wonderful chaos.
As you enter The Vaults, you are instantly transported to Pemberley Gardens with backdrops, scenery and photo opportunities in abundance. The towering presence of Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy and a wash of neon princess pink instantly set the vibe for a *chef’s kiss* evening. In our pre-show, costumed musicians take to the stage (above the bar, that is), playing regency instrumental takes on modern pop by the likes of Chappel Roan and Taylor Swift. The atmosphere is instantly relaxed and the audience ready for a good time. We are then introduced to our ‘plied piper’ or Emcee for the show, played by the captivating Alexis Briusley, who begins the festivities with some pre-show antics, catwalk competitions and warms up the crowd with incredible charisma and Aussie charm.
We are then invited to the main stage area of the Vaults; an aisle stage with seating either side. There are a variety of tiers available from the ‘pauper’ stools, through Upper Class cushioned benches to the VIP Lady Catherine chaise lounge. There is a price available here for all budgets; it is worth noting though that in my experience, the price difference airs more on the side of comfort/audience interaction, with good views from every seat in the theatre.
When the show begins, it is clear that this will be an incredibly immersive, interactive experience. With such an intimate space, you truly feel part of the story itself as the action unfolds around you, and at times with you! My friend and I were lucky enough to be chosen for a key moment in the performance which I will give no spoilers for, but let’s just say it was iconic!
We are then introduced to our five principles for the evening, playing a total of twenty roles between them. Brigitte Freerme played Elizabeth Bennet amongst others with a perfect balance of an innocent ingenue and brilliant comedy. Monique Salle was our Jane with a perfect contrast to our bitter, arrogant Charlotte Bingley. Emma Andreatta made the perfect anxious, over the top Mrs Bennet as well as the caricature of the famous Lady Catherine De Burgh. Andrew Macmillan plays our golden retriever Bingley, and the antithesis of his most over-the top, incredible performance of Mr Collins. Honestly, his use of voice and body for Collins was EVERYTHING.
Completing the cast was Timothy Walker as both the swoon-worth Mr Darcy and ALL three of the other Bennet sisters (trust me, this is perfection).
Throughout the main show, we are told the story through these five incredible actors, who quite literally at times RACE from character to character through costume, props and stand-out comedy acting. Almost all of the main plot points you love from the original are present, but told in such an accessible and humorous way. Expect dancing, shock moments and a whole heap of audience participation (adults only, please)! It is hard to detail the main part of the show without giving away surprises so you will have to take my word for it that this is something you simply have to see with your own eyes.
At the show’s conclusion, we are invited back to Pemberley Gardens for the wedding, where we are invited to learn a regency (ish) dance and take part in the wedding itself. This then transforms into a dance floor, where we are able to party to the dulcet tones of Rick Astley with the cast themselves! Dancing with Mr Darcy on the dance floor may stay with me forever. You are the invited to stay for an additional after party if you want your night to continue, with the bar still open and pop hits playing.
If all this isn’t enough to take your fancy, then throughout the show’s entire performance you can order drinks and bar snacks to your seat including some alcoholic ice creams and themed cocktails served in adorable tea cups. If you’re a non-drinker, there are still plenty of options available to purchase to be in the ‘spirit of plied’ too. Plied and Prejudice is an experience that needs to be seen to be believed and appreciated.
Whether you are an avid Austen lover or just after a fantastic night out in London, they’ve got you covered. The show is running at the Vaults until June 14th and tickets are available from https://pliedandprejudice.com/london/ . It certainly is handsome enough to tempt me!
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