Mayflower Theatre – until 14 June 2025
Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Pride and Prejudice (*sort of), written by Isobel MacArthur, is a bold, brilliant, and blisteringly funny adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic that smashes every expectation and rebuilds them with glitter, karaoke, and buckets of charm. This is Austen as you’ve never seen her before—irreverent, loud, fiercely feminist, and gloriously entertaining from start to finish.
Set against the backdrop of Regency England the play is told from the perspective of the servants—the women who usually remain invisible in period dramas. Here, they step into the spotlight, becoming Lizzy, Darcy, and the rest of the iconic cast. The result is a wickedly sharp retelling that doesn’t just poke fun at the stiff conventions of its source material—it gleefully blows them to pieces.
The ensemble cast is nothing short of phenomenal. Each actor takes on multiple roles with effortless skill, creating a dazzling array of characters with just a quick change of costume, accent, or posture. The comic timing is impeccable, the transitions are seamless, and the energy never flags. Every single performer deserves praise for their wit, warmth, and extraordinary talent.
The script is razor-sharp, mixing Austen’s prose with modern slang, fourth-wall breaking, and moments of hilariously unexpected karaoke and it works brilliantly. Songs like “Young Hearts Run Free” and “You’re So Vain” become emotional and comedic high points that add an extra layer of meaning while keeping the audience in fits of laughter.
What makes this adaptation truly special is how it balances parody with genuine heart. Beneath the clever jokes and smart commentary lies a deep respect for Austen’s themes: love, class and societal pressure. This is storytelling with a point, delivered with style and soul.
Directed with flair and choreographed for maximum chaos and charm, Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) feels like a riotous night out with your sharpest, most rebellious friends. It’s theatre that feels inclusive, joyous, and thrillingly alive.
Whether you’re a die-hard Austen fan or someone who’s never made it past the dust cover, this play is an absolute must-see. clever, chaotic, cathartic—and completely unforgettable. An unmissable triumph, one I’m sure Miss Austen herself would chortle profusely at!