THEATRE REVIEW: Pride & Prejudice – Sheffield Theatres

<p>Jane Austin’s classic, Pride and Prejudice, has new life breathed into it in this utterly charming production. The story tells the tale of the Bennett sisters and their quest for marriage to secure wealth and social standing, a trend which is bucked when Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy meet; and their equally headstrong characters get in the way of true love.</p> <p>★★★★</p> <p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4621093225.jpg" width="460" height="325" alt="Credit: Johan Persson" title="Credit: Johan Persson" /></p> <p></p><p>Period pieces can often feel wordy, dry and flat, but this production is simply delightful. Michele Austin ruled both the fictional household and the stage as Mrs Bennett, with a performance brimming with character and comedy; James Northcoate was suitably swoonsome as the dashing Mr Darcy; whilst Isabella Laughland proved to be a feisty Elizabeth Bennett, nowhere more evident than in her confrontation with Lady Catherine De Bourgh, in a scene which was a highlight of the play. </p><p></p><p>The script was beautifully written and was positively crackling with wit and laced with humour, whilst never straying from the pro-feminist empowerment of the story. The production retained many of the source material’s traditional elements; but the play had flashes of modern times, such as hints of denim in the costumes or in the subtle nuances of some of the character’s traits, which wholly lifted the production and made the play feel fresh, funky, light and accessible. </p><p></p><p>The play was confidently directed by Tamara Harvey, and utilised a stepped stage which allowed characters to perform at different physical levels, neatly reflecting the hierarchy of the characters social standing; a theme which was also picked up on the costumes. The detailed set contained the contrasting elements of inside and outside, of rich and poor; and was well utilised by the cast.</p><p></p><p>Of course, with a play with a limited running time, it is impossible to fully translate every aspect of the novel onto the stage, but the play hits the important plot points and character development and the whole thing is snappy and well-paced. For those of you who are despondent at the demise of Downton, Pride and Prejudice is the perfect period piece pick-me-up. </p><p></p><p>Pride and Prejudice is playing at Sheffield theatres until the 6th June 2015. For details, tickets and information visit <a href="http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/">www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk</a> or call the box office on 0114 249 6000</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.thegayuk.com/PaulSzabo">by Paul Szabo</a></p><p> </p>