Pride and Prejudice (Sort of...): Review

I’ve never felt drawn to the work of Jane Austen (whose modest output totals six novels), for various reasons. Middle class characters who do little except play the harpsichord, and visit other people’s houses, seems a narrow seam to mine. Rom-coms aren’t my thing either, and Austen arguably invented the genre. Blame her for the films of Richard Curtis.

But who am I to swim against the tide? The Austen boom was sparked by the BBC’s 1995 adaptation which featured the iconic image of Mr Darcy (Colin Firth) striding manfully across a lake and stripping off his shirt, in modern beefcake style. There have been at least 16 major film and TV adaptations of Austen, including another 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

Austen’s most successful work, Prejudice is a novel of manners: a satire on social expectations in Regency England, featuring the Bennet family, and in particular the five unmarried daughters. Given the period, naturally, all are looking for husbands. The crux of the story revolves around Elizabeth, the spirited and intelligent second daughter, and her slow burn courtship with the cold and aloof – at least initially – Mr Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice Sort Of -image by Mihaela Bodlovic

The million dollar question: does the world really need another version of this story? In 2017, Manchester born actor/writer/director Isobel McArthur hit upon an idea so obvious, it’s a surprise that nobody had done it before: an irreverent take on this literary warhorse, with a five strong female cast playing all of the characters. F bombs and modern pop included. McArthur’s script is respectful of the source material but also playful and inventive. Hard to believe we’re watching a story written in 1813. ‘Being a f***ing smartarse is not ladylike’ is one memorable line amongst many. The overall vibe is like a Punk version of Cliff’s Notes.

McArthur’s bigger talent is direction, and she keeps the action moving with machine tool precision (kudos also to choreographer Emily Jane Boyle). Lightning quick costume changes are a plus. The well chosen jukebox – Elvis Costello, Pulp, Steely Dan, and Bonnie Tyler – is another; likewise the trays of Ferrero Roche that regularly pop up at social gatherings.

As mentioned, there are five women on stage though the programme lists eight. Presumably there’s a rotation system in operation. A minor quibble, the company don’t specify who is acting on each night, so it’s probably best to just mention everyone: Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low, Christine Steel, Susie Barrett, Isobel Donkin, and Georgia May Firth. All bring their A game, performing with wit and mischievous energy.

First produced at the Tron in Glasgow, Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) has received a rapturous reception, one most producers can only dream about. Sort Of has now turned into a crossover hit, starting small and scaling up to significantly large venues for this second UK tour. The last time this happened was Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. Standing ovations are almost boring in this day and age, and generally unwarranted. Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) is the real deal.

Almost enough to convert a non believer.