Theatr Moondance, Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug/Mold
Until 25th October 2025
Reviewed by Julie Noller
5*****
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man of good fortune must be in want of a good wife at 21 years old Jane Austen could almost have been quoting from a marriage handbook, it is fitting that this year as we celebrate 250 years since her birth Pride and Prejudice adapted by Kate Hamill should be touring, should be enjoyed. Not quite those many years ago but a few; a teacher once told me that once older I would allow myself to love Pride and Prejudice, I am not a die hard Austen fan and there are those who do not like contemporary retellings of a traditional literary novel however I am convinced that my 15 year old self would have thoroughly enjoyed this version and perhaps even understood that school assignment a little bit better had I been able to watch this theatre production. It is perhaps right to acknowledge this is truly theatre working effectively together in today’s climate of uncertainty; Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre Production in association with Theatr Clwyd.
If you are a fan of period costume dramas, The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey, Bridgerton then this is for you. They perhaps in turn took inspiration from Jane Austen’s novel all these years later. Speaking of Bridgerton if you are a fan of the use of music especially giving modern classics a new lease of life through the use a string quartet then you will adore versions of 80s classics such as Don’t You Want Me Baby by The Human League for me they worked like that missing jigsaw piece slotted into place to bring the picture to life as a whole.
Pride and Prejudice is a complex web of family dynamics, friendships and ultimately how manners shaped 19th century society. Kate Hamill has taken it through the mangle, there have been so many films and television versions it is hard to know what Austen had in mind or indeed wanted for us to see. Best advice is to just enjoy, open your mind, laugh,be shocked, and take in the differing personalities. We have lost 1 of the Bennett sisters but that does not detract from the story but perhaps make it easier to watch, less to concentrate on as quite a few of the actors are playing dual characters. The Bennetts are Father (Dyfrig Morris) world-weary and happily downtrodden. Mother (Joanna Holden) a financial savvy/seeking perfect monetary matches, heart and soul of her family, whirlwind of nervous energy. Jane (Aamira Challenger) romantically shy, family first eldest daughter. Elizabeth (Rosa Hesmondhalgh) not the beauty of the family but she is sharp and inquisitive. Mary (Eve Pereira) usually the forgotten child, boring nature, but here she is a little asthmatic, serious and accomplished piano forte player; who didn’t love the funeral march at a party! Lydia (Jessica Ellis) brash and bold after all she is just 14 and society is yet to mold her. I personally liked the fact we had characters not seen in the same room together.
If you compare each character Ben Fensome brilliantly portrayed for example, he gave us the despicable Wickham with his lies, self appreciation, rogue. Then Collins, snivelling creep, but you realise they are alike we see the same social climbers, judgemental attitudes. The same could be said as Jessica Ellis portrayed Lady Catherine shouty, only her opinion mattered. The exceptions were Eve Pereira’s Mr Bingley in contrast to Mary, he was shy, not yet fully developed and definitely more delicate being portrayed by a woman. Kiara Nicole Pillai gave us the delicate wallflower seeking a husband Charlotte Lucas and the judgemental, Darcy huntress Caroline Bingley.
The one character not yet mentioned is the haughty, broad-shouldered Fitzwilliam Darcy (James Sheldon) who managed to get wet a few times although the lady next to me was very excited at the thought of Darcy emerging from a lake on stage, she was happy to see his white shirt rain soaked during the last scene dance.
There is a happy ending, we all know that. But it wasn’t the bended knee, Marry me of Regency times for Elizabeth Bennett had sworn never to marry this was a dance in the rain and hold me forever ending. So many versions as I have already stated exist of Pride and Prejudice, each different in its own way and perhaps you have a favourite? Well before you decide, settle down for an evening of laughter, joy and innuendo as this version by Kate Hamill fits neatly into its own box ready to be unwrapped and loved each night!