Pride and Prejudice

I was delighted to be invited to The World Premier adaptation of this award-winning BBC screenplay by Andrew Davies. This was a premier event in more ways than one as this was also my first visit to The Talisman Theatre as their NODA representative, I sincerely hope to be invited along to see many more of their superb standard productions in the future.

By way of a change, I would like to comment on the scenery and costumes before the cast on this occasion as both elements added greatly to the performances. The programme mentions set designer Jeevan Nangla’s collaboration with the project team who had worked together with some superb lighting by Nigel Elliott to produce the visually stunning immersive set. A small, raised platform stage right became a focal point for many different scenes. We also saw a large multi pane style window and a screen that on occasion showed projected images of the different palatial houses where the various visits, balls, conversations and grand occasions took place. A few other smaller items of furniture and a small spinet were used to great effect all of which enabled the audience to be easily and seamlessly transported to where the action happened throughout the play.

The period costumes were absolutely stunning throughout. Head of Wardrobe Dee Francis, Barbara Port and Margaret Clifton your attention to detail and the fit of each and every garment was superb. It was a lovely addition to then be able to see them photographed in full colour in the programme.

Without exception the cast were outstanding, each giving strong characterful performances. Mrs Bennet was played with exuberance by Kathy Buckingham-Underhill. I enjoyed her larger than life somewhat annoying tone that ensured the audience laughed out loud whenever she was in speedy conversation with long suffering sarcastic Mr Bennet who was played well by her actual husband Graham Buckingham-Underhill, their relationship is possibly testament to why they appeared to work so well together on stage.

The five sisters showed very different recognisable characterisations. The eldest being the sweet-tempered modest Jane played by Joanna Ryan McGough. Gwen Davis played a wonderful portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet, our heroine, intelligent and high spirited although she shared a distaste for the importance of wealth and rank the audience were constantly in hope she would succumb to the charms of the handsome Mr Darcy. He was played with arrogance and charisma by Chris Bird. Third sister Mary always with her head in a book was played by Emily Carlton. Whilst the two youngest Lydia and Kitty being flighty and somewhat immature were played by Phoebe Dann and Katie Newman respectively.

Throughout the play the story unfolds when in a constant effort by Mrs Bennet to marry her daughters off the sisters encounter several eligible bachelors including Darcy. We meet Charles Bingley played by Adam Turner who clearly has his heart set on Jane. Glen Guyvan-Fletcher played an imposing George Wickham who elopes with the youngest sister Lydia. Collins another suitable suitor was played by Simon Moss.

Without mentioning each one of the twenty cast members by name everyone had their part to play, with some characterful  cameo roles adding depth and support to the formidable cast.

On the night I attended I understand the author was in attendance. I feel positive he would be pleased and very proud to see his script bought to life on The Talisman stage by such a talented cast. It was a truly memorable evening for me and a real privilege to be sitting amongst the audience for this The World Premier performance.

Thank you for inviting me to attend an exceptional evening’s entertainment.

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