Review: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), Bristol Old Vic – ‘A rip-roaringly funny show from start to finish’

Most know the classic story of Pride and Prejudice, as Mrs Bennett tries to marry off her five daughters to secure all of their futures before her husband dies and they are left destitute.

We mostly follow Elizabeth Bennet, the second of the five daughters and the aloof Mr Darcy as they navigate the 19th century social scene. But this isn’t your typical telling with Colin Firth emerging from a lake; here, instead we’re reviewing Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of).

Playing at Bristol Old Vic until May 20, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) has come from the West End with a wealth of five star reviews, an Olivier Award for Best Comedy and two more nominations.

The brain child of Isobel McArthur, and Jane Austen of course, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) takes the novel to a contemporary setting using modern language and songs to retell the events.

Bristol Old Vic is the perfect venue for this play, as just like the show, it mixes the best of classic and modern. This is showcased from the beginning, as the cast – as servants – patrol the seats, cleaning and whispering gossip to one another.

From there we establish the unique framing device, as the servants explain the complicated story of the Bennet sisters and their numerous associates, breaking the 4th wall consistently to fill us in on the drama.

All the roles are expertly played by the five lead actresses, quickly changing from their plain clothes as servants and donning costumes to portray the rest of the players in the tale. All of them are experts in their craft, easily switching between accents, demeanour and body language as they swap from one character to the next.

It is a hard line to tow switching from the gruff Darcy to melodramatic Mrs Bennet, but here, it is played to perfection. And it’s almost worth the price of admission to hear Caroline Bingley strut around the stage and pronounce ‘Mr Darcy’ over and over again as she tries to grab his attention.

While Pride and Prejudice is considered a classic Regency romance, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) updates it for a modern audience, with plenty of colourful language and anachronisms to help relate to this modern age.

For the first ball of the season, the characters eat wagon wheels and drink Irn-Bru out of red solo cups, while a karaoke machine is frequently brought out to aid with the musical numbers involved in the show.

And speaking of the musical numbers, the play knows exactly when to mic drop. Taking a mix of contemporary songs to a regency setting has of course been seen in Bridgerton recently, but this takes it one step further and has the cast singing along to the hits.

You’re So Vain is the precise song to sum up Mr Darcy, while Young Hearts Run Free strikes the perfect note on which to round up the whole production with a standing ovation from the whole crowd. And who would not be excited watching Lady Catherine de Burgh introduce the song her famous cousin has written for her… Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh.

Overall Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of) is amazing at taking a classic work and adapting it for a 21st century audience, taking the themes of sexism, class and love that are still relevant today but still showcasing how far we’ve come.

Whether you’re a fan of Austen or looking for a laugh, book today. It’s a rip-roaringly funny show, which had the audience in stitches from start to finish.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is at Bristol Old Vic from May 9-20 at 7.30pm with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday (no shows on Monday). Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.

All photos: Mihaela Bodlovic

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