York Theatre Royal – 14 October 2021
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Co-written by Adrian Lukis and Catherine Curzon, Being Mr Wickham, tells the story of Wickham 25+ years after the unforgettable 1995 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Lukis is revisiting his role, reminiscing on his past and filling us in on what has occurred in the intervening years. Has the rogue changed since we last saw him?
He has been out celebrating his 60th birthday, but has infuriated his wife Lydia, yes, their marriage has stood the test of time, with his forever wandering eye. He has been locked out of their bedroom and settles down with a glass of wine as he engages the audience.
This story sees him living in lesser circumstances, probably outside of London, after flittering his money away. We can only imagine what he does a living now. He regales us with stories of Waterloo, the Bennetts, Pemberley and of course Darcy. He admits to his disgraceful behaviour in the past, and may not be wholly respectable, but his lust for life, charm, and wit shine through.
After a short interval there was a question-and-answer session, make sure you do stay behind for this. Lukis comes back on stage, after a quick change of clothing, and freely answers questions thrown at him, including what he was really drinking, which was the talk around us during the interval. There were more interesting questions, and it was fascinating hearing Lukis’s thoughts on alternate character avenues and the thought process in creating this new piece of work. My companion for the evening never goes to the theatre, she never sits still long enough, but she really enjoyed the show, opting to stay behind for the Q&A, thankfully we did, and even asking a question.
This is a one man show, and though we hear Lydia behind closed doors we never set eyes on her. At only an hour long the time just flew past, gone far too quickly, enthralling from start to finish.
Answering my original question, has Wickham changed? Maybe, maybe not, I would say that he’s definitely mellowed but he still has that wicked glint in his eye, and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Afterall would you rather a night out with the rakish Wickham or the staid Darcy?