The cast of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) Photo Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Blending modern humour and karaoke-style musical interludes, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) is a brilliantly funny and unique retelling of Jane Austen’s classic.
“You try having a whirlwind romance without clean bedding” say the servants setting the scene in Isobel McArthur’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF). Whirlwind not only describes the courtship in Jane Austen’s classic novel, it also perfectly suits the style of the narrative in McArthur’s brilliantly funny, unique portrayal of events, told through the eyes of those who see and hear all.
From the moment you enter the theatre, the actors are there ‘cleaning’, gossiping and interacting with the audience, before appearing on-stage and making it abundantly clear what they’re doing there: this is a literary legend, but not as you know it. We are reminded as such in the clever set design, with books integrated into everything from wallpaper to chairs. The brilliance of having the servants leading the narrative means they have almost a blank slate, with freedom to move around the house as they please and a white tunic costume serving as the perfect base from which to multi-role. Five actors make up the cast, with each playing countless roles.
The initial characters to whom we are introduced are the Bennet family, namely Mrs Bennet and her five daughters. Mr Bennet makes an appearance, so to speak, but ‘he’ is the only role which is not played by the all-female cast. Some characters are present for the duration of the piece, namely Elizabeth Bennet (Naomi Preston Low) and the iconic Fitzwilliam Darcy (Rhianna McGreevy), whilst others are more fleeting. Forming the basis of the story, each daughter is distinctly different, without needing to be drastic. Costumes and colours help to establish them, but whilst for example accents or voices aren’t noticeably different, the actors leave you in no doubt who is on-stage at each moment.
The cast of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF). Photo Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
The show is described as “Riotously Funny” (Variety) and it certainly is. The language shifts massively from the classic 19th century parlance to a more modern way of speaking (and swearing) in the same scene, by the same character – whilst it is well written, it still needs to be well delivered and this is no mean feat. Some of the comedic timing is spectacular, especially from McGreevy and Emma Rose Creaner. What is particularly impressive is the use of silence on-stage, with one interaction informing the audience exactly how a certain character feels about Mr Darcy, whilst Creaner uses nothing more than looks and melodramatic movements. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) is wonderfully silly and at times stupid, bordering on slapstick, but it makes no attempt to hide this. Instead, the suggestion that they are almost letting the audience in on the joke makes it all the funnier.
Music is used sporadically throughout the piece, with most characters taking the opportunity to sing and show their ‘worth’ to potential suitors. However, this is not a musical. Whilst songs such as YOU’RE SO VAIN and WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW help to progress the narrative, they are snipped versions and are almost performed as if the characters themselves are taking part in karaoke – though this is in no way a negative comment on the talent of the actors. This is supported by the tracks used, which are played as if through a portable karaoke machine, but which then fade into the background to help build ambience. Live instruments are played by the actors too, and to good effect, as it allows both beautiful piano playing and a bashing of chords when courtship goes awry.
The cast of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF). Photo Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
There are moments where the audience can get lost. If, like myself, you are not overly familiar with the plot of the original PRIDE & PREJUDICE, whilst for the most part the narrative is explained clearly, the chaotic, quickfire nature of the multi-rolling means some sections are brushed over. New characters are introduced or mentioned and then are gone in a flash. Eleanor Kane has the unenviable task of playing two or even three Bennet daughters in a matter of minutes and, whilst she does so with panache, the nature of the script can leave the audience questioning… who was the third one? Similarly, there are references to the TV series and film adaptations which are somewhat niche and, though appreciated by some audience members, could be easily confusing or missed.
Overall, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) is a very funny, definitely unique depiction. It is seamless and fluid but chaotic, in equal measure. You will definitely laugh – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t touching, all the same.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (SORT OF…) runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 22 March 2025
Michael is a working actor. He studied Drama at Edge Hill University and his main passions are music, sport and acting. Alongside acting, Michael DJs around Manchester and, if not there, is usually found watching football or cricket!
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