Pride and Prejudice

Synopsis

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife... The ultimate romantic comedy, Jane Austen’s story of the five Bennet sisters and their relentless pursuit of suitable husbands is one of the best-loved novels ever written, constantly topping the polls of favourite books. When feisty Elizabeth Bennet first meets handsome bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited. When she later discovers that he has scuppered the relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, the family’s lives are turned upside down as Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and pokes gentle fun at the affectations and etiquette of provincial middle-class life.

Our Review:

John Dixon - 15 February 2010

The Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, presented by the Theatre Royal, Bath, is adapted for the stage by Simon Reade and apart from an over long first half, works very well.

At first the production appears very bleak, being presented on a virtually bare stage, but soon you forgive this as the production picks up pace. The cast carry on any props they need, which includes a very inventive large dining table, complete with table cloth, plates, meals and cutlery.

The humour is more evident in the very enjoyable second half, where Carolyn Pickles as Lady de Bourgh steals every scene she appears in. The play sticks to familiar territory with Mrs Bennet, superbly played by Susan Hampshire, trying to marry off her five daughters. Add in to the mix the dashing Mr Darcy (Nicholas Taylor) and you have all the ingredients to make this adaption work.

The clever touches in the direction mean you cannot help but wait for the next surprise in the staging, which even ...

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