Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice has had many various adaptations and retellings, from Bollywood and zombies to young and handsome Colin Firth in that white wet shirt scene (you know the one).
Period romance, specifically the Regency era, has had a resurgence, introducing the genre to new audiences. As a self-confessed hopeless romantic who adores a romcoms, romantic dramas and romance novels just as much as the next person, this is quite possibly the best time to be alive right now.
With perfect timing, produced by Neil Gooding Productions, Woodward Productions, by arrangement with David Pugh Limited, originally written by Isobel McArthur, and directed by Simon Harvey, comes Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), a super fun version of the Jane Austen classic told through the perspective of the servants, but in a way that introduces the next generation to the legendary slow-burn romance.
Stepping into the Athenaeum Theatre, I found my seat and started chuckling when I noticed some of the cast with yellow cleaning gloves and extendable feather dusters, wiping the interior of the theatre. The set doesn’t change throughout the show which is the interior of a house with a large, curved staircase. Scenes change instead, dependent on props. However, this doesn’t take away from the story. Instead, the focus is on our cast who are incredibly funny, thorough and captivating throughout the entirety of the performance.
With a cast of only five on stage, consisting of Amy Lehpamer, Zoe Ioannou, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Ruby Shannon and Teo Vergara, the show never feels small. Juggling multiple roles, it is never confusing which role the solid all-female cast are playing, and they honestly look like they’re having a lot of fun along the way.
All the characters are there, including our heroine Elizabeth Bennet, dashing Fitzwilliam Darcy and even that handsome and dastardly George Wickham. It’s fun seeing how these characters come to life as well! It’s not just as simple costume changes! It’s like magic witnessing the cast alter their voices and body posture, making it look like they’ve been possessed by the spirts of these beloved characters we’ve all come to love and hate.
In a way, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a parody. It’s funny. It pokes fun at the original material but in a loving respectful way that will just make you want to dive into watching whatever version of Pride and Prejudice you love the most, after the show is over. This production is also a wonderful entry to Jane Austen’s works. I have never read her novels but considering I’ve seen everything else inspired by it, I do feel a strong desire to finally pick up the epic novel.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is not without music! It’s a play with music and whenever the cast break into song, it is never jarring nor unwanted. Plus, the songs? They suit the scenes, brilliantly so. I wondered what other beloved books could have such an awesome adaptation!
Ladies, this show is for you! Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a guaranteed good time, with the retelling of a legendary love story that will have you laughing, surprise you and will make your heart sing.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is currently playing in Melbourne at the Athenaeum Theatre until July 11th. The show then goes on a national tour to Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra and Brisbane.
For more information, dates and ticketing, visit:
https://prideandprejudicesortof.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/prideandprejudicesortofau
Photography by Grant Alexander.
It’s interesting to see how the themes of social class still resonate in modern adaptations, like the Bollywood versions.