Hull Truck Theatre – until Saturday 11th October 2025
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
Hull Truck Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre in association with Theatr Clwyd present Jane Austen’s sparkling romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice.
Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen by Kate Hamill, Pride and Prejudice was as every bit as fabulous as I thought it would be. Hull Truck have a knack of putting on productions that appeal to a wide range of theatre goers and Pride and Prejudice is no exception. If you’ve read the book, seen the film or the television series you will of course know the story but this adaptation is very funny the actors (some of them playing more than one part) are brilliant and there are some wonderful nods to the 1800’s take on manners, and how daughters of the family should marry well.
Mrs Bennet (Joanna Holden) and Mr Bennet (Dyfrig Morris) have four daughters Jane (Aamira Challenger), Lydia (Jessica Ellis), Elizabeth (Rosa Hesmondhalgh) and Mary (Eve Pereira). Mrs Bennet’s only wish is that her daughters marry well and that they marry someone with money. Unfortunately, her daughters won’t inherit anything on the death of their father as the estate goes to their nearest male relative, distant cousin Mr Collins (Ben Fensome). Mr Bingley (Eve Pereira) moves into the nearest estate and Mrs Bennet sets her sights on him for one of her daughters and as he’s worth £5000 a year she’s not bothered which one. Mr Bingley brings with him his sister Charlotte (Kiara Nicole Pillai) who looks down on the Bennet sisters. With the arrival of Mr Darcy (James Sheldon) owner of another nearby estate (this one worth £10,000 a year!) this soon wakes up the interest of Mrs Bennet and then the fun starts. With lots twists and turns, it shows that the path of true love never runs smoothly!
It is difficult to single out one particular actor as they were all fabulous. However, Ben Fensome, who played Mr Collins (and Mr Wickenham) was superb. His comic timing and facial expressions had the audience in fits of laughter.
I really enjoyed the production, it was joyous, fabulously acted and very, very funny. Yet another outstanding production at Hull Truck Theatre.