Pride and Prejudice
Darcy (Luke Barton) and Elizabeth (April Hughes). Photo credit: Mark Dean & GSC
Review by Martine Silkstone
To paraphrase the brilliant Jane Austen herself: It is a truth universally acknowledged that if there is a performance of Pride and Prejudice nearby, I will be there to see it. Soppy as I am, it’s a personal favourite. So it was with excitement and anticipation that I ventured to see the Guildford Shakespeare Company’s touring production at the New Wolsey Theatre this week.
And I was not disappointed.
They have taken this classic historical romance - on which all other love stories are based - and created something wonderfully clever, light and funny, while retaining all the beautiful language and intrinsic drama of the piece.
It is a masterclass in how to present a Regency drama without making it dreary and dry.
For those who are new to the genius of Austen, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the Bennett family and the exploits of the five daughters. The eldest, Jane, loses her heart to the sweet (and suitably wealthy) Mr Bingley, but his arrogant friend, Mr Darcy, decides the match is not right and separates them. Outraged, the strong and feisty Elizabeth Bennet finds herself clashing, but ultimately falling for proud Darcy, who in return can’t resist her “fine eyes”. There’s also a dashing cad in Mr Wickham, a scandalous elopement, a few aunts and uncles, a smarmy reverend and the haughty Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
That’s a lot of characters featuring in a complex narrative with intertwining relationships and feuds, all of which take place in a variety of country houses and across a range of English counties.
With all that in mind, it is more than a little impressive that this completely marvellous performance is undertaken by just three actors moving within simple scenery - comprising a window backdrop, one table and chairs, a wardrobe, a clothes rail and a few oil paintings.
Such is their extraordinary talent that they switch between each person just by changing small elements of their costume and demeanour, and by making good use of subtle but effective physicality. Whether they are riding in a coach (bouncing on the tables), playing the piano forte (a folded lace table cloth) or dancing at Netherfield (with hats as partners), this is a story that moves a-pace and yet somehow we always know where we are, who we are and what is happening.
Perhaps it helped that I am VERY familiar with the story, but still - bravo to the cast!
Mrs Bennett (Sarah Gobran) and Mr Collins (Luke Barton). Photo credit: Mark Dean & GSC
Luke Barton is superb in the lead as Mr Darcy - all arrogance and polite reserve. But wait, he is also wonderfully wicked as Wickham, horribly cringeworthy as Mr Collins, suitably languid as Mr Bennett, silly and childish as the younger sisters, then occasionally superior and snooty as Lady Catherine. Phew!
Meanwhile, April Hughes is the perfect Elizabeth - beautiful, intelligent and outspoken - but then, after donning a dapper coat, and adopting masculine stance and deep voice, suddenly she is also the kind, bashful Mr Bingham.
Finally, the brilliant Sarah Gobran plays an array of female roles including a loud mouthed Mrs Bennett, the demure Jane and the catty Caroline Bingley. She is also Mr and Mrs Gardner - at the same time!
How did they do it? I don’t know but it worked - and worked well.
For example, I was completely and utterly caught up in the passionate chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy, despite the fact that two minutes earlier our handsome hero was wearing a pale blue dress and tiara. I guess that’s when you know you are in the presence of great talent.
Thrown in a fabulous soundtrack and some lovely choreography - both in the dancing and around wardrobe change and furniture movement - and you have stage magic.
I even loved that each ‘character’ got to take a bow at the end.
Huge congratulations to Abigail Pickard Price, adaptor and director. Along with your fabulous cast you have taken this classic story and made it fresh, presenting it with a lightness of touch that makes it joyful for all.
Book now and leave happy.
Pride & Prejudice is at New Wolsey Theatre until February 8.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE