Review: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), playing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until this Saturday, October 26
Silly, satirical, and side-splittingly funny — if you want a laugh, look no further than Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of).
Now playing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, the show takes a spin at retelling the elegance of Jane Austen’s classic love story in an entirely new, but excellently engaging way.
I’m a big fan of subversive, but silly, comedy. The type of comedy that takes something you know and love, but flips it on its head — this show has that in spades.
It takes the subtle humour of the 19th century novel, turns it up to 11, and smacks you around the head with it. It’s loud, it’s rude, but most importantly it’s funny!
Told from the perspective of servants, who play silent witness to the drama of their masters’ love lives, this is a brilliant and approachable way to get into Austen.
The rigidity of the Regency romance is cast away in favour of a fast and loose approach to the original dialogue in a way that still feels quintessentially British.
The laughs start before you even take your seats, with the cast wandering the aisles with feather dusters, cleaning the backs of chairs and polishing lamps.
When the lights eventually dimmed, the jokes flew thick and fast, and didn’t let up until the final curtain.
With just five women to tell the entire story, costumes are changed left, right and centre, leading to some hilarious exchanges and memorable moments.
Working around such limitations, the cast do an excellent job, embodying each new character so perfectly to the point that the love stories end up feeling quite sweet and genuine.
Brilliant timing, effortless charm, good crowd work, and impressive musical ability, show what this fantastically talented group of actors is capable of.
In a true 21st century twist, karaoke is woven throughout, with pop-hits such as You’re So Vain sang at Mr Darcy to maximum comedic effect.
So, out with the old and in with the new. If you’re looking for a good time, this show is for you. — FB
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is playing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until this Saturday, October 26.