York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 9th November 2024
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Who doesn’t love a bit of Jane Austen and Pride & Prejudice? For me, the Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle rendition springs to mind. Who can forget the lake scene? If you are not aware of the book, it follows the story of five sisters in the early 19th century. Their mother is eager to marry them off, in order to secure their futures. If she is unsuccessful they will be ruined. Due to archaic laws they wouldn’t be able to inherit, and the family wealth would go to the nearest male relative.
This adaptation by Isobel McArthur, is like nothing you have ever seen before, a completely fresh take on a true classic.
The show starts before we are even aware. Five maids are scattered around the theatre, cleaning, even as the audience are taking their seats. It isn’t until they make their way to the stage that we realise the show has started. The maids from Longbourn House, wearing black boots and chemises, set the scene, and are at the heart of the entire show, moving the plot along.
The five actors, Susie Barrett, Emma Rose Creaner, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel, play all the roles, morphing from one character to another, all with different accents, with consummate ease. This is all done seamlessly within seconds, with something so simple as the addition of a jacket, a pair of spectacles, a slip of a dress. It was impressive to watch and I am in awe there were no slip ups.
All the characterisations are fabulous, from simpering Collins, highly strung Lydia, dastardly Wickham, dashing Bingley, to smouldering Darcy. Make sure you look out for Mr Bennet.
Have I mentioned that there is singing? I did say that this was a fresh take on the iconic work of Jane Austen. Throughout, all of a sudden a mini boom box and microphone appear and they burst into song. Not only could the extremely talented cast act, sing and dancing, but they also played a piano, recorder and glockenspiel.
Have I also mentioned that this is funny? As well as the serious stuff, the show it littered with humour, the sound of laughter resonated throughout the theatre. What with some of the imaginative costumes and surprising props used to great effect, it just added to the comedy factor.
This is an hilarious adaptation, a modern take on a traditional story, with imaginative creativeness. A wonderful uplifting production that is funny and had everyone laughing and smiling.
This is the best show that I have seen this year. A must see, I encourage all to go out an buy a ticket, especially for Jane Austen fans, you will not be disappointed.