A totally delightful evening! Witty, romantic, stylish: I found myself sitting in Jermyn Street Theatre with a perpetual smile on my face and, looking around the audience, everyone else was clearly enjoying it as much as I was – indeed you would be hard put not to! This is feel-good theatre, something that sends you out into London’s traffic afterwards uplifted! And yet, as the adapter, Abigail Pickard Price, says in a programme note “some might have thought us mad trying to bring this epic tale to life with only three actors“!
There are many characters in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, first published in 1812 but started some years earlier, and, wisely, Price has decided to concentrate on “only” seventeen of them. But so skilfully has the adaptation been undertaken that the story is always crystal clear as are the portrayals of the varying roles. Price’s play uses many lines from the novel, especially dialogue, but also contrives to flow smoothly and effortlessly, and, at 135 minutes, is just the right length! Her direction is also superbly paced, especially the rapid on and off-stage costume changes which quickly become part of the fun, so smoothly are they undertaken. The whole thing has the air of a well-oiled machine and one wonders at the precision of all concerned.
Luke Barton towers above the other two actors in the roles of a gorgeously laid-back Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy as well as a seeming plethora of female roles including a wonderful Lady Catherine de Burgh – obviously ‘tongue-in-cheek’ but beautifully done!
Sarah Gobran’s Mrs Bennet is a true character study: she has the ability to let us know what she is thinking by the way she holds her open mouth – and if you don’t believe me, go and see the play! Her Mrs Gardner is also a real person, as are all the roles, of varying ages, that she plays. Rarely does one see such a skilled actor these days!
But April Hughes, as Lizzie Bennet, is equally good! We warm to her portrayal straight away because of her instant rapport with the audience, especially in the intimate space of the Jermyn Street Theatre. Her “Mr Bingley” is equally good and, as with the other two actors, she is able to change roles instantly just by changing one item of clothing.
There is a synopsis in the programme, but it is unnecessary as the actors ensure that all is crystal clear and that we are led along the correct path to the piece’s denouement! The staging is greatly aided by imaginative music devised by Matt Eaton and a multi-purpose mirrored set design by Neil Irish, also responsible for the imaginative quick-change costumes. The Guildford Shakespeare Company “creating exceptional theatre in extraordinary places” can be deservedly proud of this production.
For some reason, Pride & Prejudice is only running at Jermyn Street until 7 September. It is excellent, relaxing, undemanding, summer entertainment with a touch of class: I do urge you to see it, whether or not you have ever read the novel! A hugely enjoyable evening at the theatre – very highly recommended!
Review by John Groves
The Bennet family’s peaceful world is upended when a host of eligible bachelors descend upon the neighbourhood. Hearts race, tongues wag, and passions and possibilities swirl all around the Hertfordshire Hills. At the centre of the storm, the meeting of Lizzie Bennet and Mr Darcy sets off one of literature’s most iconic love stories.
April Hughes – Lizzie Bennet and others
Luke Barton – Mr Bennet and others
Sarah Gobran – Mrs Bennet and others
By Jane Austen
Adapted by Abigail Pickard Price with Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches
Directed by Abigail Pickard Price
Set and costume design by Neil Irish
Assistant designer and costume supervisor: Anett Black
Lighting design by Matt Dymock
Sound design by Matt Eaton
Movement director: Amy Lawrence
PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Jermyn Street Theatre
19 August to 7 September 2024
A consummate feat of theatre. Three actors were playing multiple roles
Surprisingly accessible and understandable to the Amiable audience.
no need to have read the original Jane Austen’s pride and prejudice, but the meaning of the title became very very clear.