Pride & Prejudice is running at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre. It’s a gentle evening that very amusingly explores the social mores of days long gone when parents addressed each other as Mr and Mrs in front of their children, and people knew their place in the social order. It’s a witty observation of gentility, and Kate Hamill’s adaptation is faithful to Jane Austin’s original.
The plot is obviously well known so there is no problem of spoilers here. In essence, as in the book, Mr & Mrs Bennet’s eldest daughter Elizabeth has declared absolutely no interest in marriage. This poses a problem as the family faces ruin if Mrs Bennet can’t marry her off to a wealthy suitor and thus allow her younger daughters to marry too. Although initially put off by proud Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth eventually sees through him. They fall in love overcoming their individual prejudices and breaking societal expectations.
There are a lot of skilful costume changes, as most people on stage take on multiple roles, and all characterisations are excellent. It’s always a bit unfair to single people out but Mrs Bennet (Joanna Holden) is wonderfully over the top, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Jessica Ellis) could have been modelled on Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell. Anne de Bourgh (played by Dyfrig Morris who also plays Mr Bennet) only appears briefly but was a hilarious portrayal of the poor downtrodden daughter, and Collins the pompous parson (Ben Fensome) comes across with just the right amount of obsequiousness.
All in all, it’s a very enjoyable evening, and one with a happy (if soggy) ending too.
Pride & Prejudice continues at Bolton Octagon until June 28th.
Paul Schofield for Canal St Online.