Tag Archives: Pride and Prejudice

Review Pride and Prejudice, WMC by Sophie Wiggins


A tale that is well known throughout society, set in a time when a women’s only place in the world was through marriage and status.
Jane Austen’s heart-warming tale of a women ahead of her time, misunderstood by all who surround her world. The tale tells of Mr and Mrs Bennet and their five daughters who they are trying to marry off for happy and healthy futures. Unlike her sisters, Elizabeth is defiant in being defined by man, only through choice would she say her vows, for love.
Fancy elongated skirts, bonnets and dancing to pianos fill the room, nostalgic of Jane Austen’s world recreated in the theatre.

An elaborate staircase on a turntable that turns into a balcony on the other side, and elegant and effortless scene changer. From ballroom interior, to a balcony exterior over looking the forest and garden grounds or whatever else is desired.
Mr Darcy, played by Benjamin Dilloway is ominous, brooding and ambiguous, he gives Colin Firth a run for his money. The chemistry between Mr Dacry and Elizabeth Bennet ,played by Tafline Steen is intense and enchanting to watch as it unfolds on stage.
Although the themes are a bit too obvious at times the production is full of one liners that make the story accessible to more audiences by adding modern elements to depict the tale. Such as “Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” Spoken by Matthew Kelly who plays the protective Mr Bennet.
Frequent comedy breaks down the wall of alienation and makes the audience feel at ease throughout.
Although this performance is far away from Jane Austin’s subtle irony that she is known for the performance brings out the themes and prestige in a modernised and elegant style. Making the formal play informal enough to captivate even the most difficult audiences.