Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) At The Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
It’s so great when your local theatre is able to secure a show that’s in the midst of its UK tour following a stint in the West End. I was so excited to be able to watch Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of). The works of Jane Austin were always a favourite of mine growing up, following trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy. I was excited to see this what the show was about and why they received a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy for it – I can see why now. Although I didn’t know what to expect, I absolutely loved it and want to go back again, and again. The audience loved it too!
The show is written and directed by Isobel McArthur who really has given this story a funny and clever new twist. Reading the interview that the Lighthouse hosted with Isobel, she mentions how “It’s a run-away train for the performers! There are 119 named characters in the original Pride & Prejudice. We have reduced this to an essential 18 in our production – played by just five actors.” And wow! Well done ladies, it was a triumph!
Upon entering the theatre, we were faced with a giant staircase that dominated the stage, with stacks of books dotted around the stage. I love it when you enter the theatre and you are in the action, you can see the stage and there’s bits going on all around you. What surprised me was that when coming through the doors, all of the cast were in the auditorium, cleaning. They were cleaning the bannisters, the chairs, the front of the stage, there was such a commotion when we walked in it was great, just make sure you are in your seats before the start time so you don’t miss anything.
So, what is the show about… The show features the people who keep the houses running, keeping people alive, those who help cupid’s bow land correctly …. the servants. The five servants get together to talk us through the story of the Bennets and it’s done so well, with some extremely effective and very quick (and hilarious) costume changes. The timing for these five actors was on point. Their costume changes were slick, facial expressions and comic timing were perfect. They left me feeling exhausted especially after walking off stage, then back on as a different character with a different demeanour. Well positioned modern day props also added to the humour. I don’t think I could look at a folding mop in the same way again after tonight!
The cast were the only five people on stage, not only were they acting, doing their own quick changes and playing musical instruments, they were also doing their own set moves. Rhianna McGreevy who played Mr Darcy and Mrs Bennett was able to make her characters so different to the point that me and my wife left having a small crush on Mr Darcy! Emma Rose Creaner played Tilly the Bennetts maid together with Charles and Charlotte Bingley just made me laugh whenever she was on stage. Cheeky wit and funny gags just made the audience roar with laughter. Susie Barrett played Mary, Lydia as well as Mr Collins and more going from a young vibrant girl to a straight laced vicar. Christine Steel played Jane but my favourite was Mrs De Bough where she channelled and old wealthy woman in the biggest gown of them all. Naomi Preston Low played the feisty Elizabeth Bennett throughout and was the main constant The show had some absolute tunes being played throughout. Expect the likes of Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain with the Karaoke machine ready to go when the mood takes them.
There is so much I want to say about the show but I don’t want to spoil the punchlines. It’s been a while since I have seen a show that is laugh out loud funny, where the audience is just waiting for the next costume change or the next joke. I want to go again. It was that enjoyable. I had a permanent smile on my face throughout. It was light, it was uplifting and so much fun so thank you for putting on a wonderful show. Quick costume changes, quick with and a lot of laughter… Pride and Prejudice*(*sort of) was simply amazing… can I see it again now please?
The show is at the Lighthouse until Saturday 23rd November so there’s lots of choice on dates… I might see you back there
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start from £10 up to £37.50 and can be purchased through this link https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/pride-prejudice-sort-of/ The show is at Lighthouse until Saturday 23rd November so there’s plenty of opportunity to go and watch it.
Visit their What’s On Guide here.
The full address is Lighthouse, Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG