Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) | Theatr Clwyd

Isobel McArthur's Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) takes one of literature's most famous classic novels and gives it a chaotic and brash makeover, with servants stepping into the role of Austen's characters and filling the show with a soundtrack of familiar songs and plenty of pop culture references. Now touring the UK, this Olivier award-winning production arrives in Theatr Clwyd.

McArthur's adaptation allows the story to unfold through the eyes of the servants rather than remaining the invisible figures in the background, allowing them to take centre stage and control their narrative, bringing their own opinions into Austen's world. It's a fresh perspective and allows Austen's work to be more accessible, yet the show struggles to keep the momentum going in its 2 and a half hours run time. It sometimes feels like the show stretches too far for a gag, rather than giving full recognition to the servants and the exploration of class divide, which could have led to a more fleshed out show whilst still recognising the legacy of Austen's work.

The use of multi-roling is undoubtedly one of the production's greatest strengths, with five female presenting performers taking on the vast array of the beloved characters. It's impressive to witness the distinctive quick switch of characters, with cast members disappearing and appearing with a quick and slight costume change; it's precise and handled with enthusiasm.

Georgia May Firth brings plenty of warmth and wit to the much-loved heroine of Lizzie Bennet, with brilliant comedic timing and a general sense of what makes her such a relatable and compelling character. Eva Hope brings plenty of sincerity to her Jane, capturing the romantic optimism of falling in love. Julia Murray has potentially the most challenging of tasks by taking on the role of two of the most distinctive characters of Pride and Prejudice: the brooding Fitzwilliam Darcy and the frantic Mrs Bennet. Murray impresses with comic desperation whilst attempting to secure suitable husbands for her daughters, whilst also completing changing her physicality and presence to be standoffish and dry as Darcy.

The inclusion of well known songs, rather than relying on an original musical score, such as 'You're So Vain' and 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?' is a fun touch, yet it does lead to the show feeling disconnected. Performed as a karaoke style, it provides some moments of great comedy and infectious energy, but vocally they are not the production's strongest element.

Ana Inés Jabares-Pita's set design complements the production's playful approach of Austen, with a regal staircase and shelves which are filled with pink books. The simplistic set design allows the multi-roling and physical comedy to land; with props and set pieces often contributing to to comedy. Jabares-Pita's costume design is beautiful and captures the period that the story was set in, there are also some impressive quick costume changes which is a nice touch.

Whilst there is a slight disconnect between the different elements, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) still creates an enjoyable evening at the theatre. It's a production that knows exactly what it wants to be; wonderfully silly and inventive. While the vocals don't always reach the same heights as the performances, and some of the comedy can occasionally veer into cheesy territory, the sheer energy and commitment of the cast are difficult to resist.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at Theatr Clwyd until 03rd October - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Mihaela Bodlovic