By Graham Hiley.
If Jane Austen were alive today, Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) is exactly what she might have written – without as many swear words! Or jokes. Or songs.
While the Hampshire author’s original version remains a work of literary genius, the satirical musical (at Chichester’s Festival Theatre until Feb 15) is also a masterpiece in its own way.
In terms of storyline, this stays reasonably faithful to the novel, remaining close enough to be true to it but far enough removed to add a whole new dimension. And there’s a lot more laughs in this hilarious high-energy telling.
The subtle social commentary of the beloved classic is replaced by quickfire gags poking fun at the characters and storyline – but always with warmth and wit.
Five talented women played every major role – apart from Mr Bennett who, in his own way, was actually the star of the show despite not appearing on stage!
That required rapid changes of both costume and character adding to the pace of the piece which left the packed house as breathless as the cast.
With immaculate timing and choreography, this celebration of female empowerment captured the shallowness of life in the Regency era where women’s sole ambition would be to marry a wealthy man at whatever personal cost.
At regular intervals the cast would burst into suitable songs such as You’re So Vain, Holding out for a Hero and Lady in Red… by the nephew of Catherine de Burgh!
The clever of use of props (including coconut hooves which kept time with the music) ensured the pace was unrelenting in this bonkers but brilliant production which won an Olivier award for Best Comedy during its run in the West End.
To fully appreciate Isobel McArthur’s Austentatious adaptation, you do need to have read the book – or at least watched the BBC drama.
But whether you are one of the millions of fans or were simply forced to study Pride and Prejudice at school, you will love this irreverent, affectionate and hilarious take on the classic novel.
If she were alive today, Jane Austen would surely be laughing along with the audience… though it’s fair to say she probably wouldn’t have dropped quite so many F-Bombs.
Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) runs at Chichester Festival Theatre until Saturday February 15. Book tickets here.
Image by Mihaela-Bodlovic.
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