Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice is a novel which thanks to adaptations from places such as the BBC (and the infamous Colin Firth wet shirt scene), has firmly secured a place in the nation’s heart. However, a directing and writing duo came together to create a new and exciting piece based on the book called Plied and Prejudice with all the boring bits cut out to fit into 90 minutes worth of performance time. Writer Matt Semple not only achieved this time-wise, but managed to equally balance an homage to Austen’s work, satire, pantomime and physical theatre, creating something that appeals to all fans, newcomers and haters alike with only five actors playing all roles! Teaming up with director Dash Kruck was a smart decision, as using Kruck’s insight into the way the modern world today aligned with Austen’s era created not a standard theatre show but an immersive experience that resonated on an emotional, comedic and political dynamic level.
Creating a show like this is not an easy feat, but as evidently shown with one of the strongest casts seen so far this year, it looked like it was butter melting on hot toast. Slow emotional releases, yet fast-paced and delicious to savour with comedy and love galore. From the moment of entering the Vaults, we stepped into another world and left our modern life behind… to a certain extent. Although we were enchanted with the period costumes, Semple’s sharp and modern observational wit combined with Kruck’s immersive direction was brought to life by the talents of Brigitte Freeme, Monique Sallé, Emma Andreatta, Tim Walker and Andrew Macmillan. Together, they created something that can be quite difficult to achieve. Not only did we see a host of characters with fast costume changes and in between, banter. We also saw a family on stage. They radiated such joy as each part of the story unfolded and the level of trust between them all was extremely high.
Freeme and Walker took on Elizabeth Bennett and Mr D’Arcy with such commitment and chemistry that it felt as if we were spying on them during their most intimate moments. They embraced each character’s unique aspects fully and kept us engaged with their love story till the very end and left us wanting more.
One of Macmillan’s roles was the lewd and creepy Mr Collins, which was played so well that he got a huge nod to the interactive elements of the musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a nickname the audience had to call out (too rude to mention here, you’ll have to see the show to find that out). Andriatta took on Mrs Bennett as one of her roles and exuded such eccentricity as the mother hen of the group that she could easily have had a show of her own. As for Sallé, she took on the youngest Bennett, Lydia, as her main character. She portrayed a charming, yet extremely feisty girl who channelled elements of RuPaul’s Drag Race (such as the runway and lip sync) and a modern teenager who was not afraid to be herself.
With the skills and talent shown by the cast, accompanied by music from the roaming Plied Pipers (led by Alexia Brinsley), Plied and Prejudice was an unforgettable experience that made everyone forget their troubles and have a new insight into Austen’s work. For those new to Austen, the show blasted onto their path with high energy, great comedic pace, and possibly a lot of alcohol! One to watch if you love comedies such as Blackadder, The Young Ones, and Bottom.
Review by Sascha Cooper
Telling the tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as you’ve never seen it before Plied and Prejudice invites you to Pemberley for Mr Darcy’s booziest ball. Equal parts performance and party, this immersive show delivers lots of audience participation complete with dance lessons, inappropriate proposals, free flowing drinks brought to you by the servants, that wet shirt scene and cameos from Keira Knightley (not the real one!).
With five actors scrambling to play twenty characters in this chaotic retelling, all notions of respectable theatre (and Regency etiquette) get thrown out the door! Direct from a sellout run in Australia, this is Pride and Prejudice as the BBC would never abide.
Whether you’re an Austen die-hard, or you’d rather be watching Die Hard, you’re sure to love it—most ardently! Bring your eligible bachelors, your unmarried daughters, and the lover you’ll settle for if your cousin won’t have you, for an unhinged night of love, lust, and libations.
Cast
Brigitte Freeme – Femme 1
Monique Sallé – Femme 2
Emma Andreatta – Femme 3
Tim Walker – Masc 1
Andrew Macmillan – Masc 2
Alexia Brinsley – Plied Piper / Femme Swing & Resident Movement Director
Zak Enayat – Plied Piper / Masc Swing
Olivia Warren – Musician / Rover
Antonia Richards – Musician / Rover
Crew
Virna Sologaistoa – Company Stage Manager
Summer Keeling – Stage Manager on Book
Daniel Yazdani – Technical Stage Manager
Creative Team
Dash Kruck – Director
Matthew Semple – Playwright
Penny Challen – Set and Costume Design
Dan Venz – Movement Director
Dominic Woodhead – Musical Director
Aidan Jones – Sound Design
Joe Willcox – Lighting Design
PLIED AND PREJUDICE
13 March to 18 May 2025
The Vaults, Waterloo
