Introduced by the servants – who did a fabulous job of cleaning the historic theatre as we arrived – this gives a peak behind the curtain with five fabulous actresses taking all parts, dialling them up to 11 and giving powerhouse performances filled with song, (including the best use of Lady in Red ever), fun and a genuine love for the original. This glorious retelling of Jane Austen’s classic and much interpreted classic has romped into Bristol Old Vic and the standing ovation demonstrated just how much fun this is. In a joyful time of Eurovision and spring, Pride & Prejudice* (sort of) is the cherry and the icing on the cake. This 'smart, laugh out loud funny' (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You're So Vain. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn't be higher when it comes to romance. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.ĭirect from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen's most iconic love story. Passionate stuff indeed.Managing Director of Visit West, Kathryn reviews Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) currently performing at Bristol Old Vic.

Pride and prejudice are only two of the obstacles to be overcome before inevitably true love brings Lizzie and her dark knight nose to nose (we don't even see a kiss). This is a Georgian world in which social conventions present a veritable minefield for indiscretions or misunderstandings and in which a formal dance can be as intricate an occasion as international diplomacy. Matthew MacFadyen is suitably brooding and gauche as Mr Darcy, but the cast list is enlivened with splendid British character actors, including Brenda Blethyn as Lizzie's irascible mother, Tom Hollander as a diminutive cleric seeking a wife, and Judi Dench as the formidable Lady Catherine, plus the Canadian Donald Sutherland (Lizzie's wise father). Knightley's rise in the thespian firmament has been meteoric and this is her best performance to date in a role for which she is perfectly cast. At the heart of this triumph is the delightful 20 year old Keira Knightley as the assured and sharp Elizabeth Bennett, the second of five daughters looking to be married off by an anxious mother. The versatile camera-work, luscious countryside, grand settings, period costumes, and atmospheric music are evidence of a work on which much love has been lavished. First time director Joe Wright has worked with television playwright Deborah Moggach's script and a wonderful collection of mainly British actors to delight us. This quintessentially English film is utterly charming - a very traditional interpretation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel that manages to entertain, amuse and even move.

Pride and prejudice plays