Director: Deborah Bruce
Cast: Jennifer Kirby, David Oakes, Jane Asher, Ed Birch, Leah Brotherhead, Imogen Bryon, Sophia Capasso, Olivia Darnley, Caroline Harker, Rob Heaps, Yolanda Kettle, Rebecca Lacey, Frances McNamee, Barnaby Sax, Eleanor Thorn, Timothy Walker, David Whitworth.
Synopsis: Jane Austen’s classic novel about the prejudice that occurred between the 19th century classes and the pride which would keep lovers apart.
Following up Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have bravely headed to the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice and brought it to the stage with an adaption by Simon Reade. The result is an amusing effort that doesn’t quite have the impact of the opening show of the season, but offers strong lead performances from debutant Jennifer Kirby as Elizabeth Bennet and David Oakes as Mr Darcy.
It’s hard to separate from your mind the sheer impact of Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth’s BBC mini-series from 1995 when we look at Pride and Prejudice and, in fact, Bridget Jones probably exists because of it. So when taking on the huge task of Jane Austen and her unrivalled social commentary, you’re always going to be in for some comparison. One of the most important things about Austen’s novel is the ensemble of characters and their development through the story. On the stage, it’s almost impossible to get everything in but here they suffer a little from an underdevelopment of a few characters including Mr Wickham and sometimes move too quickly for comic relief from the likes of their father Mr Bennet (Timothy Walker) or their ever-fussing (but loving) mother played by Rebecca Lacey.
On the positive side, they’ve added an unforgettable comic addition for the character of Mr Collins (Ed Birch), whereas in the books he’s a little creepy, here he reminds us of a Tim Burton creation, all spindly legs and over-zealous mannerisms but it certainly energises the stage. Another impressive note is the technical side that looks effortless. The large expanse is centred by a circular revolving stage, which is beautifully used time and again. They implement it just enough to include the classic and uncomfortable (or historically accurate) dance scene right through to a truly remarkable film-like revolving panning shot for a dinner table scene with Mr Collins at the head, it’s captivating and pulls you into the story.
As the second half moves into monologue territory, we get to see Jennifer Kirby and David Oakes excel as they investigate their true characters and beliefs, as Darcy’s real background is revealed, Elizabeth Bennet reels in her mistakes and tries to work out the right course of action to take. One of the most important parts is these two lead roles and as this is also Kirby’s professional stage debut, it definitely shows a strong career ahead as she’s both very likable and personable. Oakes takes the Darcy role and portrays him perfectly, with an equal amount of charm, supposed disinterest and understanding.
So although the pacing of this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production occasionally distracts the concentration and in certain moments they miss an opportunity to delve into and portray the full impact of Austen’s work, their Pride and Prejudice does offer up an affably agreeable affair and it’s another stunning setting for an enjoyable evening out.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE plays until July 20th. You can book now via this link.
