Pride and Prejudice

This classic Jane Austen story has been re-popularised in fairly recent times because of the TV series featuring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. It is a deeply layered story and a little difficult to follow to those not already familiar with the book - or TV series. Centering round the five unmarried Bennet daughters and the fierce determination of their mother, Mrs Bennet, to see them all married,  it is also a clear example of the social class and rigid sexism of the Regency period.

Splendidly suitable period costumes with excellent ladies' gowns and the men also handsomely attired - with  the sole exception of one gentleman whose buttoned red jacket was obviously too tight (despite he himself not being of above average girth) - made for a realistic feel to the piece.   Importantly, wigs, hair and makeup were of a standard matching the costumes, courtesy of Stephanie Hornett Johnson assisted by Beckie Wilkes.

The mannerly way of speaking by all the main characters was well observed too, with crisp, well enunciated and easy to understand dialogue;  not something I am able to note, in amateur plays elsewhere.

Choreographer Nicky Roberts ensured that the period dances were carried out with practiced skill and mannered discipline by the various characters. The inclusion of several dances added much realism to the whole piece, it should be noted!

In the pivotal role of Elizabeth Bennet, Beckie Wilkes showed poise, class and a natural understanding of the nuanced social graces so vital to this character - so much so, in fact, that I found her too modest doubts about her obvious ability in her programme CV, most ironic and amusing.

In the richly rewarding role of Mrs Bennet, so obviously desperate to marry off her daughters, Sophie MacTavish  gave a charismatic performance that will linger long in the memory of all who were privileged to have seen it. An emotional wreck at frequent intervals and so convincingly carried out. A true star performance Sophie!

One would think it imperative that Richard Peachey's Mr Bennet would need to be patience personified. And so he was. With easy going charm, Richard provided the vital emotional opposite to his wife's emotionally distraught character. Another major performance!

I note with satisfaction the actual playing ages of all five of the well-cast daughters, both in relation to each other, as well as to their parents. Lizzie Mills gave a mature, beautifully observed, performance as Jane Bennet in this "other most important to marry" daughter role. Lizzie looks born to be on the stage. Spirited and individualistic characterisations of the other three daughters, Mary, Kitty and Lydia were given in fine style by Phoebe Sleeman, Lily Brown and Katie Bartholomew respectively.      

Sean Eldridge gave a beautifully observed characterisation to Fitzwilliam Darcy, as his initial distance of manner hid a decency and maturity which became more evident as the play unfolded. Peter Calver shone as the more immediately affable Charles Bingham, his natural stage presence and clear diction attracting the eye and ear, as ever.

Two less wholesome characters were played to their hilt by Danniel Horton as the handsome, but morally shady George Wickham, and by Steve Jones as the pompous Mr Collins. Both impressed! Catherine Elliott clearly relished the rewarding role of the decidedly haughty Caroline Bingley.

In a large cast, all of whom ranged from very good to excellent, others who really stood out in smaller roles were these:  Joanna Silcox as the upper crust harridan Lady Catherine de Bourgh; Jackie Barrett as Mrs Reynolds; Ian Caldecourt as Colonel Fitzwilliam and Philippa Lucas as Charlotte Lucas.

Lighting by Stephen Tickell and sound by John Chinnock were skilfully handled too. Stage manager Muriel Lister and her crew ensured a swift and seamless flow of the many scenes.

All in all, this was a top class production marvellously directed by Peter J Reed, who also designed the realistic set.

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