The Laurence Olivier Award winning Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) is at Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 7 November, bringing an audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s classic with added pop hits.
When the first bell rang to signal the show was about to start, two women in white Regency frocks appeared in the doorway on the right, facing the stage. They held dusters, while having a conversation, wearing bright yellow rubber gloves.
While I have read Pride and Prejudice, seen the TV dramatised version and the 2005 film, I was curious about seeing this stage version - particularly because the title had extra words tagged on the end, (*sort of). I had no idea what that would mean, and it wasn’t long before we found out.
Three other women joined, also with dusters, dressed in white frocks, wearing black bovver boots and bright yellow rubber gloves. All of a sudden, they extended the dusters' handles and proceeded to dust a few balding men’s heads that were (fortunately/unfortunately) sitting near the front of the stage.
Mr Bennet was played solely by an armchair, a newspaper and the occasional cigarette
The props added to the comedic element. They included items you definitely wouldn't have seen in that era: coloured lightbulbs, a Tesco bag, Frosties, Pringles, a karaoke machine, a plate of Wagon Wheels, pineapple and cheese on sticks, and Febreze.
The five women took on several roles, including Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, Mr Collins and more. They used simple props to transform themselves, and it worked. We followed the plot without hesitation and laughed a lot along the way. However, Mr Bennet was played solely by an armchair, a newspaper and the occasional cigarette. Nothing was missing from this adaptation, but they added a lot that made it a show that I recommend you see.
The five actors on stage were clearly very talented performers - they sang and recited impressive, lengthy monologues, they used silence perfectly, with facial expressions that had you laughing, and they played instruments and danced. Unexpectedly, the worm made an appearance on stage, along with a few other recognisable dance moves. The women sang a few modern songs that added to the entertainment and were expertly placed for maximum laughs. Songs included: We Need a Hero, Young Hearts Run Free, You’re So Vain, and Lady in Red, to name a few. They were sung with and without instruments, harmonised, and solo.
At the end of the performance, the audience showed their appreciation with loud applause. The actors had us laughing at the beginning and throughout the show. Even if you haven’t read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I think you will enjoy this show.
Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) runs until Saturday 7 November at Nottingham Playhouse. Tickets start at £27.50.
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