Nine times out of ten, I can’t usually enjoy a remake of an older piece of literature, as it tends to be an overdone carbon copy of the original piece. However, I believe that Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) subverts all expectation is a genuinely enjoyable show, one that honours its source material as much as it adds its own trademark. Bonus points for translating it for a modern audience!
Pride and Prejudice follows the story of five sisters and their mother’s desperate attempts to find them husbands. If they are left unmarried, they will be unable to inherit their family’s property and will be left penniless as women aren’t able to inherit any wealth. This leads to the sisters attempting to woo the new socialite in town Mr Bingley at his parties. The oldest sister, gentle and beautiful Jane Bennet, succeeds and the two begin courting, only for Mr Bingley to sharply move back to London without contact, much less a proposal. The main character, fierce and proud Elizabeth Bennet, develops a more rivalry-based romance with Mr Bingley’s friend Mr Darcy. The two spat and insult each other, constantly finding reasons to detest the other, whether that be Darcy looking down on Elizabeth’s less wealthy and eccentric family, or Elizabeth promoting a defaming story of Darcy’s greed. Whilst it seems nothing is working in their favour, Jane heartbroken and Elizabeth being pressured into marrying her cousin, the family are able to push through and find love along the way.
The cast is entirely made of women, which I think was a necessary move from the writer Isobel McArthur. After all, whilst the masses fawn over Darcy in the movies, it’s easy to forget that the Bennet sisters are the true point of the story. Despite incredible pressure from her family and society, Elizabeth doesn’t sacrifice her morals and true feelings for a marriage she has no interest in, not allowing even Darcy to treat her poorly. A lot of her bravery, standing up to the prejudice herself and every woman endured, is often tossed aside in favour of the romantic aspect, so it is wonderful to see a homage to Austen’s original intentions. It is truly heart-warming to see the sisters fight over a microphone rather than a man. Naomi Preston Low exhibits an outstanding performance as Elizabeth, instantly winning over the audience who await her fate in anticipation. Similarly, Rhianna McGreevy as Darcy was some of the best casting to grace the stage. She perfectly captured all of Darcy’s awkwardness and disgust and yet still have us rooting for him. Preston Low and McGreevy create warm, beautiful moments between Darcy and Elizabeth.
They make a scene as simple as Darcy glazing longingly at Elizabeth reading into a beautiful exhibition of the character’s define personalities and chemistry together.
In that very scene as well as countless others, Emma Rose Creaner provides witty comedy, whether that be a commentary on today’s social norms (as a servant) or putting on a feather as Miss Bingley and trying to flirt with Darcy. On a side note, the actresses doubling up as other characters worked SO incredibly well. The acting was so varied for each character that every switch was immediately clear and left no room for confusion. If there was ever an award for good casting, this would be the performance to award it to.
Additionally, the set and costumes were completely stunning. The quick changes between outfits emphasised the practically of the dresses but also they are just such fun and flowy designs. Jane and Elizabeth wear very lovely gowns, completely opposite to their sister Mary’s strangely enchanting pink number. The costumes needed for the switch between Mr and Miss Bingley is positively genius, and the feather headpiece was a comedic addition. The set has a simple yet effective design, depicting an iconic staircase for the dramatic scenes, and easily interchangeable furniture to keep scene changes efficient and keep the story moving. The devil really is within the detail.
Put simply, this is one of a few renditions of a pre-existing piece of work that is actually enjoyable and adds something worth watching. This is such a breath of fresh air from the typical theatre trend of copying a long-existing play word for word with no creative additions and monotone performances that suggest even the actors don’t want to be there. This play is charmingly hilarious, and very pleasing to see the actresses enjoying their time on stage. I find myself captivated in the story, longing for more instead of wondering when it will start wrapping up. Their chemistry with each other is off the charts, and I hope many playwrights follow suit from this example.
