Pride and Prejudice, a most beloved classic written by Jane Austen, has been adapted and directed for stage by Abigail Pickard Price. This production by the Guildford Shakespeare Company is unbelievably, yet incredibly being performed by a cast of three, who have put their own mark on this timeless classic. The production has so carefully handled the wit and words of Austen, allowing her small mannerisms to be fully realised, whilst also creating an inspired and unique new play.
Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet, one of five Bennet sisters, as she strives to do right by herself and her family. In an age where women must marry well to secure her future, Elizabeth prioritises happiness, independence and intelligence, choosing rather to advocate her sensible views. Mr. Darcy, a wealthy but distrustful, awkward, rude and arrogant gentleman, moves into town, along with his close friend Mr. Bingley and his sister, Caroline Bingley. A blossoming romance develops between Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, the eldest of the Bennet sisters, and forces Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth to become acquainted. Despite both character's pride and prejudices from their first impressions, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy surprise one another with well-matched wit, intelligence and emotional sensibility.
Austen's writing feels almost as though it were meant for the stage, with how thoughtfully and beautifully it translates. Despite already having a strong script and talented performers, this production goes a step further to challenge itself by only having a cast of three to play 17 roles between themselves. This results in hilarious complications or subtle ironic moments, for example when a character must talk ill of another character and they are both played by the same cast member, or incredible quick changes both as a character and in terms of costume.
April Hughes plays Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bennet and Mr. Bingley. Hughes is brilliant as the fiery and headstrong Lizzie, and brings the beloved character alive with a compassionate air. Allowing for Lizzie's softer side to shine through during the second act, and her fierce rejection in Act One, Hughes is more than capable of fine tuning the nuances of Austen's writing, and delivers a captivating performance. As Mr. Bingley, Hughes is delightfully awkward and charming, and shines as the sweet character. Hughes also impressively plays the four youngest Bennet sisters in a back to back scene with quick changes.
Luke Barton plays Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine De Burgh. Barton is the stand out performer in this production and the audience marvel both at his ability to fully disappear into very distinctive and different characters in split seconds, and his incredible Mr. Darcy. The latter is one of the most beloved and revered fictional characters, and Barton more than does justice to Mr. Darcy. The awkward and uncomfortable stance is well paired with an earnest and piercing gaze, a heartfelt confession and ease with Austen's language. Barton ensures that Mr. Bennet is as alive as Austen intended, finding the smaller moments that create such an intriguing and lovable character. Barton also portrays the wicked Mr. Wickham and the pompous Mr. Collins so well, it's hard to process that they're played by the same actor. Barton as Lady Catherine De Burgh is a hilarious but brilliant casting, with the proud lady commanding the stage with an exceptional performance.
Sarah Gobran plays Mrs. Bennet, Jane Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Mrs. Gardiner and Caroline Bingley. Gobran gives each role her all and this is well-recieved. The hysterical and nervous Mrs. Bennet is immediately welcome to the audience and sets the entire play. The switch between mother and daughter, Jane Bennet, is remarkable and so clear even when both characters are in the same scene. Charlotte Lucas is remarkably portrayed, and one can not help but marvel as Groban's ability to fully immerse herself into each role.
The stage (set design by Neil Irish) has been well adapted to feel set in the period, without allowing it to draw attention away from the performances. With olden furniture, a wooden cabinet, gold framed portraits, mirrors, and laced tablecloths, these small additions help transform the space without any drastic furnishings. Scenes are often set with the help of paintings of each venue, helping audience imagine the interiors better. These paintings are huge on the wall, fitting right in with the scenes.
The costumes (Neil Irish) are cleverly designed, allowing for quick changes and additional accessories to help distinguish between characters. The costumes are those of the period (early 19th century) are are relatively simple yet elegant. Lady Catherine De Burgh is given a full dress, that Barton carries nicely, even pairing the grand material with a tiara or large bonnet. The three younger Bennet sisters are differentiated with the help of ribbons and sashes (Blue for Mary, Red for Kitty and Purple for Lydia), which the cast are able to whip on in seconds.
Pride and Prejudice, a novel with a numerous amount of balls, finds itself using an elegant dance quite often, which is stunningly choreographed by Amy Lawrence. This is amusingly contradicted by the rushed quick changes that cast members must do, by darting backstage, that somehow never feel out of place. Lighting and Sound (Mark Dymock and Matt Eaton) have created wonderful effects, helping define the seasons with the warmth of lighting or sounds of nature sneaking in. The music that plays during scene changes, or time jumps help immerse audiences in the world of Austen. Sterre Maier (vocal coach) has helped the cast perfectly capture the flair for the language, making it flow naturally whilst still emphasising key moments.
Pride and Prejudice is a bold adaptation that exceeds expectations, and leaves audiences reeling both in the magnificent play and the brilliant cast. A truly tremendous version that brings the novel, the world and the characters to life. It is currently playing at the Jeremy Street Theatre until 7th September - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest reivew | photography by Mark Dean
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