Pride and Prejudice*(*sort of) at Oxford Playhouse Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
The trailer for Oxford Playhouse’s production of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, Pride and Prejudice* (* sort of) boasts of a comedy adaptation like no other, with ‘men, money and microphones’ being fought over and it certainly piqued our interest as we arrived at the Playhouse as they welcome back this celebratory comedy show.
Following triumphant UK tours and West End runs and having won a well-deserved Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Isobel McArthur’s reinvention of this much loved Jane Austen classic is a bold and audacious adaptation, to put it mildly. There have been countless different retellings of Pride and Prejudice over the years, but it has to be said, that this particular version is a genius, comedy version and joyously fabulous!
The all-female cast of the show each play multiple characters, retelling the story through the eyes of the servants, with modern language and a few karaoke hits thrown in for good measure!
The story itself is mostly (*sort of) true to the novel – set in the 1800s, the plot follows the ups and downs of five very different sisters in their search for love, with very modern interpretations and tongue in cheek explorations of the central Austen themes of love, social mobility and marriage.
McArthur’s vision for a contemporary, blunt, feminist adaptation is incredibly clever. Pride and Prejudice* (* sort of) is blessed with five extremely hard working and committed female actors who brilliantly perform all the characters – starting before the show actually properly begins (no spoilers but best to arrive early!) It is very cleverly in the mismatches that there are the most laughs – as in the sweary language which Mrs Bennett uses when she advises her daughters about behaviour which is unladylike. And then there is hilarious social commentary on Austen’s classic, usually intense and serious themes – through karaoke hits at key pivotal moments – lots of laugh out loud fun!
The production perfectly showcases the exceptional talents of the cast, who work so well together, with great energy and joy to entertain the audience. The costume changes are breathtakingly quick and with each cast member constantly changing to play a multitude of different characters, both male and female, as well as singing and playing musical instruments, the pace of the show is rapid. The karaoke songs are well chosen, including all time favourites such as “Young Hearts Run Free”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, “I Got You Babe”, “Holding Out For A Hero” and “You’re So Vain” (who thought this could be said about Mr Darcy!). These sisters are fighting over microphones rather than the men in their lives!
Ultimately coming to a riotous finale, the production is full of warmth and the laughs never let up and the triumph of this show lies in the collective success and talents of the entire cast and crew.
I left the Oxford Playhouse wanting to tell all my friends about it and I have a feeling Jane Austen would do so too! Bringing Jane Austen to the present day, Pride and Prejudice* (* sort of) is a must see!
Rating: 5/5
Pride and Prejudice* (* sort of) is at the Oxford Playhouse in Oxford from Monday 10th to Saturday 15th March 2025, for more information or to book tickets, visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com or call the box office on 01865 305305
The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW