Type – Slapstick Comedy, Adaptation, Olivier Award Winner
If you liked – Pride and Prejudice, British Comedy
Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of): An hilarious take on Austen’s classic novel. This slapstick comedy is guaranteed to have you writing in your seat with laughter.
Isobel McArthur’s Pride and Prejudice* *(sort of) is a triumph in every meaning of the word. From its hilarious performances, witty writing, tight direction, and standout set, lighting, and sound design, Pride and Prejudice* is sure to have you laughing out loud.
Like the numerous movies and TV shows that came before it, Pride and Prejudice* recounts the will-they-won’t-they romance between the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and nonchalant Fitzwilliam Darcy, with a little help from some classic pop songs. While it does take more than one creative liberty, the show is a mostly faithful adaption of Jane Austen’s 212-year-old novel. While it is somewhat constrained by its form, this theatre-going version tackles the same core themes of pride, prejudice, family, class, and wealth. Its faithfulness to the source material is summed up in its title. While the overarching plot is there, McArthur has gone through the story with a scalpel, lopping off any unnecessary parts to create her abridged version.
Five servants act as the audience’s “in” during the show, keeping the story moving and providing important context when needed. Soppy love songs form the musical portions of the show, showing just how little romance has changed in the past two hundred years.
While not every character made the cut in McArthur’s production, those with genuine impact in the story were included. While characters you would expect like Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are still front and centre, others are swapped out or have their roles cut entirely. Western society has moved in leaps and bounds in the grand schemes of things since Austen’s novel was first published…some things just never change: like gender inequality and class disparity. And the show makes no apologies in pointing them out.
A musical comedy with slapstick elements, this show will have you in stitches. With exaggerated facial expressions and boisterous mannerisms, the performances teeter on the edge of the absurd without falling off. With the principal cast made up of just five actors, they really have their work cut out for them playing multiple roles.
Playing Tillie the servant, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley, and Miss Bingley, Amy Lehpamer delivers a strong performance in each of roles. Her standout is Charlotte Lucas, who in McArthur’s version of the story has an unrequited crush on Elizabeth Bennet. Through body language and accent, Lehpamer ensures her roles are distinct.
Zoe Iannou plays Flo, Mrs. Bennet, and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Iannou’s comedic chops shine through in each of her roles, with her stand out being Mrs. Bennet who makes it her life’s mission to see that her five daughters are married, doing everything in her power to accomplish that goal. Like Lehpamer, Iannou employs nifty little tricks to make her characters different from one another. My favourite would have to be the Clavicular-like face she dons when playing Mr. Darcy – genuinely funny.
You wouldn’t pick that Ruby Shannon is making her professional theatre debut in Pride and Prejudice*. Playing Anne, Lydia Bennet, Mary Bennet, Mister Collins, and Mrs. Gardiner, Shannon brings each of them to life with vivid clarity.
Kaori Maeda-Judge did a lot of the heavy lifting, both literally and figuratively, with her portrayal of Clara, one of the five context-giving servants. She also lends her talents to the roles of Jane Bennet, George Wickham, and Lady Catherine De Bourgh. She does her best work as Jane however, the eldest of the Bennet sister, bringing the deep longing of her character to life.
While their workload, compared to their other cast members, is quite light, Teo Vergara uses that freedom to full effect, embodying the characters they do. Playing Elizabeth Bennet, they bring the character’s intelligence forefront, showcasing what a fiercely independent and head-strong person she is. You really can’t blame the stone-faced Mr. Darcy for falling in love with Elizabeth, despite his best efforts.
For an audience to get the most out of a show like Pride and Prejudice*, they have to be fully immersed. And that is something that the crew here do perfectly. From the set and costume design to the magnificent sound and lighting, every part of the show is top notch. With the performances to match, the costumes look brilliant onstage underneath the excellent lighting, sound, and set design, with each location given its own distinct feel.
Is Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) Worth Seeing in Melbourne?
Pride and Prejudice* is a genuinely funny show with lots of laugh out loud moments. Taking the centuries-old source material and flipping it on its head, McArthur’s is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice. Lovers of Austen and newcomers to the fabled text will get a real kick out of this show.
Tickets and Practical Info for Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort of) in Melbourne 🎟️
A Neil Gooding and Woodward Productions production
Season June 25 – July 11
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/2726548
Melbourne
Jun 18 – Jul 11
Athenaeum Theatre
Sydney
Jul 16 – Aug 30
Drama Theatre,
Sydney Opera House
Wollongong
Sep 2 – 13
IMB Theatre, IPAC
Canberra
Sep 16 – 27
Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre
Brisbane
Sep 30 – Oct 11
Playhouse, QPAC
