Victoria Walters celebrates the 250th birthday of Jane Austen with a 21st century version of Pride and Prejudice
250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that it’s simply not possible to have too many adaptations of her most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice. Just this week, casting for a major new TV version has been announced, while fans’ loyalties are split between the 1995 BBC series and the 2005 movie.
One would hardly think then that it would be possible to find a new angle, but this high-energy production brings Lizzie and the rest of the Bennett sisters well and truly into the 21st century, with the help of a karaoke machine, some perfectly chosen pop songs and a hefty dose of girl power.
The house lights haven’t yet dimmed as five rambunctious maids appear in the auditorium, dusting the seats and polishing the brass railings. They are the servants, usually in the background of Miss Austen’s stories, overhearing all the gossip and subtly interfering in the love matches – but tonight they are taking to the stage to tell the story themselves, each taking on several characters and playing every part in an infectiously entertaining retelling.
Writer and director Isobel MacArthur’s gloriously witty script is completely faithful to the original story and the hugely talented five-strong female cast is astonishing as they jump between playing different roles with absolute aplomb and incredible comic timing. It helps if you’re already familiar with the plot, as they rocket through it at speed – and diehard fans will find particular delight here – but there’s much to enjoy even if you’re a newcomer to Austen.
Naomi Preston Low grounds the story as a likeable, earthy Lizzie. Rhianna McGreevy’s characterisations of both an increasingly discomposed (and sweary) Mrs Bennett and the surly Mr Darcy are so effectively brilliant it’s easy to forget they are played by the same actor (or indeed that Darcy is being played by a woman.)
Christine Steel charms as a lovelorn Jane and brings elements of pure pantomime baddie as Lady Catherine de Burgh, while Susie Barrett swings ably between Mary, Lydia (played with a broad Bristolian accent and a real sense of fun) and the odious Mr Collins.
It’s a true ensemble piece, although Emma Rose Creaner – surely a name to watch in the future – is a particular delight, full of sass and humour. Her maid, Tilly, would fit in well with the Derry Girls, her Charlotte Lucas brings a real sense of pathos as she yearns for Lizzie’s affections, while her Caroline Bingley’s attempts to compete for Darcy’s affections are some of the funniest moments of the show.
The performers make clever use of the simple set – which features a sweeping staircase and various pieces of furniture which the maids energetically wheel on and off. The device of Mr Bennett being symbolised by an empty armchair and a newspaper is a particularly funny choice.
The musical numbers bring an enormous amount of infectious energy and comedy – Carly Simons’ You’re So Vain could, after all, have been written for Mr Darcy, while Young Hearts Run Free is the perfect Bennett sisters anthem.
Jane Austen had a keen sense of humour; her books are full of dry wit and satire, often based on the absurdities of human behaviours and class. I can’t help but think she’d have enjoyed this sparkling treatment of her original romcom, just as much as the Bath audience who gave a standing ovation last night.
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) appears at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 19th April. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.theatreroyal.org.uk
