Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) Review by Joann Watt

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) explodes onto the HMT stage from Tuesday 29th April – 3rd May 2025. Direct from its triumph in the West End this witty little gem won a Laurence Olivier Award Best Comedy and Evening standard award. This wonderfully unique and imaginative retelling of Jane Austen’s iconic love story!

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is a clever and creative adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous novel… well sort of. It’s Pride and Prejudice but told by five unnamed house maids. They are the eyes and ears of their employer’s fancy regency-era homes so it is no surprise they remember every little detail! What I love about this production is that they tell a classic love story in a bold unconventional way! We are introduced to the characters we all know and love: the Bennet sisters and their (shall I say) temperamental mother, the dashing but forbidding Mr Darcy, sweet Charlotte and who could forget the larger than life Charles Bingley! This production has no shortage when it comes to the following: Karaoke machines, wagon wheels, endless supply of Irn Bru, A pyramid of Ferraro Rocher.. .oh and a giant horse named Willy- trust me you gotta see it to believe it! And if that is not enough this unforgettable production features a string of hits that include You’re So Vain and Young Hearts Run free that guarantees to get your feet tapping! There is no denying that this is one hoot of a night out to the Theatre!

Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel are the incredibly strong cast that brings this fabulous story to life! Each of them shine and bring their own unique flare to this production! From the seamless quick changes, impressive accents and genius comedy timing- they were all an absolute delight to watch. Their quick witted humor and precise physical comedy helped them command the stage! They had the entire audience in the palm of their hands!

Ana Ines Jabares-Pita’s set for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is simple yet wonderful.The set does not change but along with some quirky props and a little imagination we are brisked away to different locations. The action centres around a sweeping, grand Georgian staircase, and via a piano, a couch and a couple of inventive props, the audience are transported from the Bennet family home in Meryton, Hertfordshire, to Mr Bingley’s Netherfield, to Mr Darcy’s Pemberley, over to London, to Kent and back again. In this latest touring production though it is clear to see it is expertly produced and super slick it still feels like fringe theatre. From the tacky budget props to the chaotic quick scene changes- it adds to the excitement and hilarity of the piece.

Jabares-Plta’s costumes are simple yet very effective for what this production requires! It allows the five maids to transform into numberless characters by just adding colourful overdresses on top of their plain maid attire. For the more outrageous characters such as Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine De Burgh the costumes become more elaborate and darker. The brilliant cast of five who undertake every role are able to change from one character to the next at lightning speed. This impressive precision, organisation and timing does not go unnoticed by the audience!

The physical comedy, speed, precision and musicality within this production is nothing short of remarkable! I take my hat off to everyone involved in this production as it is clear to see the amount of hard work that goes into pulling off a production as eccentric and imaginative as this! It was pure joy and a breath of fresh air to see 5 women have an absolute ball on stage! They had the entire audience laughing from start to finish and we were rooting for them all the way! I promise you that you will not want to miss this wee Scottish gem – so if you want to have an absolute hoot then I suggest you grab your tickets now! Go go go!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is running from the 29th April – 3rd May 2025 at His Majesty’s Theatre. Get your tickets here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/pride-prejudice-sort-of-2/

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