Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

Bebington Dramatic Society

6/3/25

 

In 1813, Jane Austen published Pride and Prejudice, her most famous novel, and considered one of the greatest works of English literature. We are taken through this historic romantic story by Jane Austen herself (Marie Williams) who beautifully narrated us through Pride and Prejudice; telling the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, both of whom have to overcome their biases in order to fall in love and marry.

The well-respected Mr. & Mrs. Bennet (Trevor Butlin & Adele Riley-Bell) live in Longbourn in the Hertfordshire countryside with their five daughters, Jane (Emily Guilfoyle), Elizabeth (Rosabelle Bennett), Mary (Alice Rowlands), Lydia (Grace Wing) and Kitty (Ruby Macauley), with Mrs. Bennet insistent that they all marry well. To Mrs. Bennet’s joy she hears that a Mr. Charles Bingley (John Reynolds) a wealthy young batchelor and his sister Caroline Bingley (Jenny Jones), has moved into Netherfield close to Longbourn, he is accompanied by his close friend Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcey (Matt Kasprzak).

 After Mr. Bennet pays a social visit to Mr. Bingley, the Bennets attend a ball at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley is taken with Jane and spends much of the evening dancing with her. However, Mr. Darcy, is less pleased with the evening and haughtily refuses to dance with Elizabeth, which makes everyone view him as arrogant and obnoxious. So, the ‘first impression’ formed began the story for Elizabeth and Darcy.

Director Jane Wing who assisted by Adam Comer cast this play well, with many making their debut appearance for Bebington in this their Centenary Season.  The set was cleverly minimal, with adequate space for the activity to be played out, with good sound and lighting and choreography. The back projection colourfully displayed the plays differing locations. Praise too for the elegant regency costumes, well done wardrobe. If there is one observation on the evening I attended; always be aware of ‘pace and projection’ especially in an Austen play, with its reliance on 18th century English and quick-witted satirical dialogue.

Mr Collins (Mike Jones) the heir to the Longbourn estate, visits the Bennet family with the intention of finding a wife among the five girls under the advice of his patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Caroline Kay), also revealed to be Mr. Darcy's aunt. Unsuccessful at the Bennets, Mr Collins, a clergyman meets and marries Elizabeths best friend Charlotte Lucas (Gemma Stott). The younger Bennet sisters become friendly with the handsome and charming soldier George Wickham (Charles Price), whose father had worked for the Darcy family. He wins Elizabeth's sympathy by telling her that Mr Darcy denied him his rightful inheritance. Which we later find to be a lie, when Darcy intervenes when ensuring the marriage of the headstrong Lydia to Wickham. Darcy humbly restates his love for Elizabeth, who now in full knowledge of his good character happily accepts.

There are some good performances in this entertaining production from this talented society. I have to mention Adele Riley-Bell who was splendid as the mother consumed by the desire to see her daughters married. Great comic delivery, so comfortable on stage, the audience loved her. Trevor Butlin is an ideal foil to his hysterical wife, his dry wit, his comic one-line responses were a joy.  The camaraderie was evident between Rosabelle Bennet a spirited Elizabeth and Emily Guilfoyle a gentle Jane, lovely performances. Grace Wing gave a fine debut performance as the headstrong Lydia, one to watch for the future. Mike Jones was spookily believable as Mr Collins, a subservient clergyman seeking a wife, loved his performance.

There have been many adaptations of Pride and Prejudice over the years, proving the popularity of Jane Austen’s story and its characters. Bebington Dramatic Society gave us an evening of quality entertainment, the audience left the theatre very happy indeed.

Thank you for inviting me I had a very enjoyable evening, looking forward to your next production.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

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