AD | Press tickets
I’m trying to watch different things at the theatre this year, so when I heard that Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) was coming to Norwich Theatre Royal, I knew I had to go. Read on to find out more about the show and what I thought.
About the show
Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.
Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This “smart, laugh out loud funny” (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
It’s the 1800s.
It’s party time.
Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.
Did we like it?
If you’re expecting a classic retelling of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, think again. I was shocked to see a couple of people leave the theatre early on, never to return. I assume they were intending to see a different show altogether. Their loss though because they missed out on something absolutely fantastic.
Led by a group of 5 women, the show starts maybe not quite as you’d expect it to. Yes, you’re transported to Regency times but in the eyes of the servants. You’ll find them cleaning the stage, the stalls and maybe even some of the audience members!
With only a cast of 5, what happens with there being so many characters? Well, this amazing cast plays absolutely everyone. One minute someone might be the absolutely bonkers and seemingly drunk Mrs Bennett and the next will be playing suave and sophisticated Mr Darcey. Costume and character changes are done mostly seamlessly throughout and even when they’re not, it all adds to the fun of the show.
I honestly cannot pick out a stand-out for me in this show as each member of the cast was amazing. To go between characters with such ease, and have such amazing comedic timing and chemistry with everyone else, is not an easy job.
Although not technically a musical, there are songs throughout, all of which help to tell the story of the Bennett sisters. You won’t find songs like You’re So Vain (a highlight for me), Holding Out For A Hero and Young Hearts Run Free in any other Austen retelling! Add in microphones and karaoke and you really can’t go wrong.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is laugh-out-loud funny. The audience was howling with laughter throughout the whole show, waiting to see what crazy antics the characters would get up to next. If you’re looking for something a mix of Bridgerton and Six, along with panto-esque comedy, this is definitely the show for you.
You can catch Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 24th June 2023.