REVIEW: Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 28 September 2024

The show, that joins the list of "fringe to big stage" transfers, returns to Newcastle. This time it is, for the first time in 10 years, a Theatre Royal co-production and it is a great choice after selling out on tour last time.

This production joins the current trend for shows that will be popular with a more youthful crowd than some other mainstream productions. At long last we are seeing touring productions that will click that often forgotten crowd. The common feature is usually the sheer energy that pours off the stage.

For this is very much an ensemble piece, as a wide range of characters, and quick prop changes, are delivered seamlessly by a cast of just five. The fact that they are also having to pick up a karaoke microphone and sing some well chosen piece at regular intervals further highlights their talent. My own pick of the songs was the clever use of Pulp's Something Changed - but I'm sure each member of the audience will have their own.

The story loosely follows the Jane Austen novel in which Mrs Bennet is trying to get at least one of her daughters married off before her husband dies in order to prevent the family becoming destitute. They attend a party at their neighbours, the Bentley's house. Attending the party is the very rich Mr Darcy, who seems to be spending quite a lot of time with Elizabeth Bennet - but she is strong willed and aware of the gossip. This leads to a "will they, won't they" trope that has been extensively used since.

The cast are amazing for a show that only open a few days ago. Susie Barrett, Emma Rose Creaner, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel sing, play instruments and bounce around the set. It is often the non-verbal moments and the sudden arrival of a prop that ensured that the audience had plenty to laugh at.

Whilst the tale is "loosely" based on Austin's work, the Isobel McArthur script has frequently updated the language to the modern vernacular. In other words - there is some swearing, which, through comic timing, can cause a laugh but is not so frequent that it jars with the flow of the story.

Like a good wine, this show will improve as the run continues. The action will get tighter and the show will get funnier. Don't get me wrong - tonight was good, but it will get better each night.

This is a raucous and enjoyable night at the theatre that breaths much needed life into a historic text. The audience enjoyed it and so did we.

Review: Stephen Oliver 

Photos: Mihaela Bodlovic 

 

Tickets:

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 19 – Saturday 28 September 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.