REVIEW: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE at Jermyn Street 19 Aug - 7 Sept 2024

‘a must-see for any Austen lover … completely engrossing and innovative in style’ ★★★★★

It is a truth universally acknowledged that this classic story by Jane Austen will always have an audience. And it should. What’s not to love about the story, the characters, the setting? But to carry it out with three actors? Now that is a feat. This feat was accomplished via an adaptation by Abigail Pickard Price and performed beautifully by a superbly adept cast, which revitalises the tale that has been retold through many different media since its publication in 1813.

April Hughes reigns supreme as the independent and confident Lizzie, and even with a quick addition of a jacket, becomes Mr. Bingley. Hats off to Luke Barton for playing about 8 different roles, half of them female; as the only man in the cast, Barton could be expected to play Darcy, Mr Bennett, Wickham, Mr. Collins, and even a gushing tour guide, but also transformed into many women, performing Lady Catherine de Burgh with austere delight, as well as Mrs Reynolds, the flirty Lydia, and the minor sisters, Mary and Kitty. He did all this without breaking into a sweat, and often with a sparkling smile.

Sarah Gobran has a wonderful range, changing swiftly from the amusing Mrs Bennet to the demure Charlotte Lucas to the slightly grating Caroline Bingley, as well as other characters. Her transitions into character (certainly with guidance from Movement Director Amy Lawrence) are particularly remarkable for the subtlety of the changes she makes, with amazing facial expression and vocal adjustment. Together, this cast performs nearing 20 characters in a neat 135 minutes (including intermission). A big bravo to them!

The choreography of this show is detailed and beautifully orchestrated. The direction (Pickard Price) adds humour and asks the audience to pay attention at every moment. There are scenes which especially come into mind, such as using bowler hats to give the impression of more people on the dance floor. Or the one when Darcy steps into the picture frame at Pemberley, his family home, when Lizzie comes on a tour. There is an especially memorable (perhaps even strange) scene where a tablecloth is used to give different perspectives of the dining guests by changing its angle. Even the seeming ease with which the characters change outfits and move between the two available doors is remarkable.

Costumery (Neil Irish, Anett Black) was key to the success of this production. Not only because it is a period piece, but because one item of clothing or hair adornment could instantly alter the character who was portrayed. Except for a minor fascinator failure, the rapid adjustment of costume was seamlessly carried out. The set was used to its best, with small movements of the furniture and the changing of a picture frame to indicate location. Lighting (Mark Dymock) also perfectly adjusted to the mood in each scene.

This production is a must-see for any Austen lover. It is completely engrossing and innovative in style, even if not pushing the story in any different direction. Adding its own humour, but keeping the elegance of the period, I like to think that Austen would approve of this take.

Photography credit: Mark Dean

PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Jane Austin, adapted by Abigail Pickard Price

Jermyn Street Theatre 19 August - 7 September 2024

Box Office: https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/pride-prejudice/

Adapted by Abigail Pickard Price

Performed by Luke Barton, Sarah Gobran, April Hughes

Directed by Abigail Pickard Price

Set and Costume Designer: Neil Irish

Costume Supervisor: Anett Black

Lighting Designer: Mark Dymock

Sound Designer: Matt Eaton

Movement Director: Amy Lawrence