THEATRE REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) ★★★★

Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of)
Bristol Old Vic
Saturday 7th - Saturday 28th September 2019

There’s been a revolt in the history books and Jane Austen’s most popular novel of love ans sacrifice has been turned on its head; the servants are taking a stand and tell their version of events, and it’s one spectacular ride full of laughter and centuries of romantic pop songs to bring the tale to an updated stance and audience. Alongside Austen's creations, Isobel McArthur has penned a genuinely brilliant script full of powerful women ready to take their stand, in a version of Pride and Prejudice no-one would would have seen alike before! 

Directed by Paul Botherson, this adaptation is recognisably vibrant; there’s a real sense of emotion and motive in each of the performers many characters. McArthur herself radiantly shines on stage as Mrs Bennet and Darcy, with real air and alongside Megan Tyler as Elizabeth, the chemistry, even in the awkward pauses scattered about, truly is electrifying and engaging, hopefully inspiring a new generation of female creatives to follow their dreams. Designed elegantly by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, finished off with an ever-growing staircase suspended in the air, the use of the stage is thorough and multi-purposed; the partitions used for quick changes cleverly reserve during one part of the production to mirror a toilet cubicle, where both sexes are inside wallowing about their current situation. 

Simon Hayes has lit the production in a way that fully transports you into this very early 18th century setting, bringing to life the titular characters inner-emotion during the karaoke sections, and written letters segments, with a pure focus thanks to spotlights on the readers/senders. A personal highlight was the build-up towards Carly Simons’ ‘You’re so Vain’. Creating a repetition of awkward silence and frustration towards Darcy in this moment, the track brought sheer enjoyment and mirrored perfectly how Elizabeth felt in that very moment, with McArthur reacting perfectly in the state of which was being unraveled. Hannah Jarett-Scott gives an impressive and masterful Miss and Mr Bingley, bringing a real variety of traits bouncing between the two, whilst Felix Forde gives great diction and pompousness to Mr Collins and smugness of Mr Wickham. Finally, Tori Burgess is monstrous and cleverly witty as Mary, who warms our hearts as we constantly cheer from within that she gets her shining moment with the microphone and bless us with her vocals.

Overall, Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) brings really power to a strong female ensemble cast who clearly have sheer amounts of fun on stage bringing these well-known, and often underground, characters to a new light and centre stage. Though some awkward pauses do at times get a little tedious, the central plot and triumph in bringing a new in a generation to recognise themselves within the strong-minded characters and text is a true winner.