Pride and Prejudice - World Premiere
Photo by Peter Weston
Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Monday 26 June - Saturday 1 July 2023
Review by Ashley Hayward
It’s not every day that the good people of Kenilworth get the chance to walk down the road and attend a world premiere, but such an opportunity did recently present itself at the Talisman Theatre as we were treated to Andrew Davies’ stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice.
The audience certainly entered into the spirit of the occasion as they enjoyed their complimentary glass of fizz with many dressed in their dinner jackets and posh frocks as they listened to the delightful music played on the cello and viola by the talented local duo of Andrew and Patrick O’Reilly.
Photo by Peter Weston
The play began with the famous opening line from the novel, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” and then moved along very swiftly with slick scene changes accompanied by appropriate music of the period.
We were treated to a very imaginative, multi-purpose set and superb highly authentic costumes which enhanced Corinna Jacobs' extremely well directed production of this romantic comedy.
It may have been an abridged version, but the story’s central themes of class, social mobility, self-awareness, loveless marriages, snobbery and greed are all still there with generous helpings of humour and irony.
Photo by Peter Weston
There are strong performances from the entire cast but particularly from Chris Bird as the proud, haughty and socially awkward Mr Darcy and from Gwen Davis as the intelligent and witty Elizabeth Bennet who has a tendency to form impressions rather too quickly. Some of her facial expressions spoke a thousand words.
Graham Buckingham-Underhill also shines as the sarcastic and indolent Mr Bennet along with Kathy Buckingham-Underhill as his unloved wife whose obsession is to marry off her daughters to wealthy gentlemen irrespective of their future happiness.
There were also notable performances from Phoebe Dann as the flirtatious and headstrong Lydia and Simon Moss as the pompous and somewhat creepy Mr Collins.
It’s always advisable not to give too much away when writing reviews so as to not spoil it for future audiences. However, for the benefit of those people who particularly enjoyed the wet shirt scene during the TV version, I can assure them they will not be disappointed!
Photo by Peter Weston
The performance received a terrific reception from the appreciative full house, and I understand that it is now a complete sell-out. I’m sure it will be frequently performed up and down the country in the future which would be particularly good news to students studying Pride and Prejudice for their GCSE in English Literature! Even the most reluctant reader will find this version extremely accessible.
It is a remarkable achievement that Andrew Davies has been able to reduce what was a six-part TV series into a two-hour play. However, unlike the great 19th century lady, he probably won’t get to see himself on the back of a £10 note!
Discover more: https://talismantheatre.co.uk/
