Reviewed at Lyceum, Sheffield, by Michelle Rawlins
There’ve been more adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels that you can shake a stick at. But possibly none quite as raucously and fabulously silly as five women posing as ‘below stairs’ servants giving their comedic take on how the other half live.
Roughly following the original storyline, with a bit jukebox karaoke and a lot of hilarity thrown in, writer and director, Isobel McArthur, has created a joyous and riotous piece of theatre.
The quick-witted show first appeared at The Tron in Glasgow, before securing a hugely successful run at the West End, as well as winning the 2022 Oliver Award for the Best New Comedy. Now its brand-new UK tour is set to delight audiences up and down the country with a satirical take on the 18th century society.
The strong all-female cast effortlessly swap roles, costumes, and accents at breakneck speed. Emma Rose Creamer in particular is sublime and an absolute hoot to watch; her perfectly timed glances and bemused apt eye rolls revealing her comic genius. She swiftly alternates between playing Charles Bingley, his snooty sister, Caroline, and Elizabeth’s closest friend (and closet admirer), Charlotte Lucas.
Naomi Preston Low makes for a superbly witty Elizabeth, while Rhianna McGreevy is a fabulous Mr Darcy – there’s no emerging from the sea, but mention of the infamous Colin Firth scene is in the script.
Mr Bennet is quite brilliantly portrayed as an empty chair, always facing the wrong way, with only a newspaper and smoke billowing from the character’s pipe on view. This only adds to the plot as, much to Mrs Bennet’s annoyance, his silence does little to help the family’s plight.
The obvious synergy and connection between the five actors, ensures the show is excellently executed.
Rehearsals must have been a blast. It’s fair to say, there’s never a dull moment as traditional society is spiced up with amusing renditions of Holding Out For A Hero and Chris de Burgh’s Lady in Red, which is belted out as Lady Catherine makes her audacious appearance.
Although, this is first and foremost a comedy, the more unjust sexist attitudes of Regency Britain are cleverly entwined. It’s noted with bemusement that women could only succeed if they are married, so should therefore look their best in public.
The issue of how those downstairs are treated is also addressed as the cast, in their simple servant’s attire, pointedly note with the right level of satire, that unlike those upstairs they rarely get a happy ending.
The minimalist set, there to aid the fast-paced show, speedily and swiftly moves between the Bennet’s frugal front room, to the Bingley residence and the ornate Japanese vase revealing its elegance, is the mastermind of Ana Ines Jabares-Pita.
All in all, this latest reimagining of a story that has stood the test of time, is fabulously funny and an absolute joy to watch.
Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is touring until June 2025
Tickets here