Picture: Mihaela Bodlovic  

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Lichfield Garrick

*****

Jane Austin may not have envisaged her classic novel being depicted in the style of this fabulous production, her original conception was set in the days of Regency England when morals and manners presented a very different obligation of life.

However, this sparkling adaptation turns the story of the Bennet family and their unfortunate situation into a romantic romp, packed with quirky scenarios, music and comedic content.

The focus of this well known tale is the plight of the five Bennet daughters and their aim to marry well in order to preserve the dignity and financial security of the family.

The talented cast of five adopted all of the characters, changing costumes, moving the props/furniture etc with seamless ease and voicing different accents to denote, Mrs Bennet, Lizzie, Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia, also Bingley, Wickham, Mr Collins and Darcy, et al.

They also sang modern songs, sung beautifully, which fitted into the moment perfectly and played piano, recorder & guitar. . .

Mr Bennet also ‘appeared’ albeit as a non verbal character. (One has to see the play to appreciate the brilliant representation of Mr B!)

The action takes place in Meryton, the small market town where the Bennet family live at their modest residence, Longbourn. Here, we witness the bevy of daughters and their overbearing mother, who is constantly striving to climb the social ladder, securing suitable husbands for her reticent girls in order to save the family reputation.

So many stand out moments, delivered with such slick pace, humour, conviction and delight. Audience were totally engaged with the unexpected aspects, a full size model horse being one of the highlights! (Half coconuts the optional accompaniment)

The entire play is an utter joy to witness, from the first line to the final curtain, the novelty and presentation are exquisite. The beautiful set, gorgeous costumes and acting of the finest quality make for an entertaining, engaging evening of top notch theatre.

Although, ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’, the endearing account of the romantic liaison betwixt Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy concludes with a happy ever after closure.

The cast included Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel playing multiple roles.

Directed by Isobel McArthur,The show runs at The Garrick Theatre Lichfield until Saturday, May 17th, so dust off your bonnets and get a ticket to enjoy this feel good play. You won’t be disappointed.

Elizabeth M. Smith.

13-05-25 

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