Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Every Georgian household had two worlds: the polished family life presented to society and the bustling servants' quarters hidden behind the scenes. In Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of), it is those servants who finally get their chance to tell the story, offering sharp observations, delicious gossip, and a wonderfully irreverent perspective on the lives of the Bennet family.
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| The cast. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
Written and directed by Isobel McArthur, this ingenious adaptation manages the impressive feat of delighting devoted Jane Austen fans while injecting the beloved classic with fresh energy. The original story remains lovingly intact, complete with all the romance, misunderstandings, and social manoeuvring audiences cherish, while also embracing modern humour. And yes, there is even a knowing nod to Mr Darcy's famous lake scene.
The magic begins before the official start. As the audience settles into their seats, servants dressed in white move among us, cleaning and chatting while subtly drawing us into their world. Long before the house lights dim, the production has already begun weaving its spell. Soon, period costumes are layered over servant attire, and the familiar tale begins to unfold in an entirely unconventional way.
The production's greatest strength lies in its exceptional cast of five women, each effortlessly inhabiting multiple roles throughout the evening. Georgia May Firth shines as Elizabeth Bennet, while Eva Hope, Phoebe Marshall, Julia Murray, and Emily Cruz bring an array of characters vividly to life with remarkable versatility and comic precision. Their performances are packed with personality, ensuring every character feels fully formed despite the rapid-fire costume changes and role swapping.
The production cleverly balances regency elegance with contemporary flair. Doc Martens peek out beneath dresses, modern language occasionally punctuates the dialogue, and the result is an adaptation that feels both faithful and refreshingly bold.
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| The cast. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
Ana Inés Jabares-Pita's costume design is a masterclass in practicality and creativity. Jackets, pinafores, and accessories are layered over servant dresses to facilitate fast transformations between characters, providing clear visual cues without ever disrupting the pace. The striking pink stage design is equally memorable, with a sweeping staircase creating dynamic levels that enhance both the comedy and storytelling. Complementing this beautifully, Mark Stafford's lighting design skilfully supports the production's infectious energy and comic timing.
The sheer consistency of the humour is impressive. Rather than relying on occasional laugh-out-loud moments, the production sustains a relentless sense of fun from start to finish. The energy never falters, the jokes land with remarkable regularity, and the audience is swept along by the cast's infectious enthusiasm.
Warm, inventive, and gloriously funny, Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) is a triumphant reimagining of Austen's classic. Cleverly performed, beautifully designed, and packed with charm, it delivers an evening of theatre that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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The cast. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic. |
The show continues on tour with dates currently booking until 8th May 2027. For full tour dates and venues, visit https://prideandprejudicesortof.com/tour-dates/
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