Pride and Prejudice, Birmingham REP - review and pictures
This warm and witty production, adapted from the classic Jane Austen novel by Simon Reade, is an audience-pleasing excursion into genteel Georgian society.
Yes, it's romantic, yes, it's amusing, but Austen also exposes the quiet desperation of the early 19th century marriage market.
In an age without social security, pensions or an NHS, and virtually no equal rights, a woman was dependent on a good match or would have to live on the charity of relatives.
So, with five unmarried sisters in the Bennet family - the pressure is well and truly on.
That explains the hysteria of Mrs Bennet in her obsessive determination to find matches for her daughters.
The social climbing matriarch is played with a great energy by Felicity Montagu, who is probably best known as Alan Partridge's secretary Lynn in the TV comedy series.
One of literature's most popular female characters, the free-spirited Elizabeth Bennet, is well-served by Tafline Steen. She brings a modern sensibility to the role as Elizabeth sees through the strict controls and conventions of a class-ridden society. Her confrontation with Doña Croll's haughty and intimidating Lady Catherine De Bourgh is a dramatic highlight.
As the taciturn Mr Darcy, Benjamin Dilloway has the mammoth task of overcoming memories of Colin Firth's iconic performance in the 1995 TV series. But his priggish portrayal hints at buried passions and one can understand how Elizabeth, after initial reluctance, finally falls for the serious-minded gentleman.
This Regent's Park Theatre production also has the benefit of former TV presenter Matthew Kelly as the warm-hearted Mr Bennet, several fine young actresses as the Bennet sisters (a couple of them making their professional debuts) and a highly amusing contribution from Steven Meo as the unctuous, hypocritical clergyman Mr Collins.
The set is stark but effective with a Georgian style framework on a revolving stage, and the Georgian costumes are delightful.
If you are an Austen fan - or are currently studying Pride And Prejudice for GCSE - this production directed by Deborah Bruce is well worth seeing.
It continues at Birmingham Rep until Saturday (November 12).
By Leon Burakowski
