[Ad-gifted] How could I resist the chance of going to see this feisty adaptation of one of England’s most enduring love stories? Twenty million copies and 200 years after Pride and Prejudice was first published, Buxton Opera House welcomes the Chelmsford Theatre Production in a fresh take on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, Pride & Prejudice*, and despite the fact that I haven’t read this since being a teenager, I was all too eager to invite my sister to share an evening of not-so-classic entertainment.
The story is ubiquitous: it has been featured in countless productions, films, plays and adaptations. It is so well known that the format can be played with and the audience will still recognise and understand this perennial favourite of the arts. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of its outstanding success – and if she would have been shocked by the irreverent take on her novel that has landed on the stage tonight.
Irreverent, yes – but this part-musical, part-comedy has been lovingly put together by writer and director Isobel McArthur with a tonne of life and laughter woven into it – and I will admit it that while it was not what I was expecting, it delivered on many levels.
The cast are a handful of ladies who manage all the parts between them. Yes, even Darcy, Lord Bingley and the infamous Mr Wickham are played by the girls in an almost seamless switcheroo of placement and costume. The set featured a grand staircase and a white piano – which, to my delight, was played by the talented Phoebe Marshall (who managed the multiple roles of Lord and Miss Bingley, and Charlotte Lucas) and in accompaniment to some of the songs.
As well as beautiful singing (who said that Mary Bennet couldn’t sing? Roxanne Morgan certainly could) there was some subtle choreography and plenty of organised chaos brought to the stage. Yes, you are going to get some cake throwing! The costume changes, which had to be lightning-fast – sometimes even taking place on stage – were facilitated by a very clever choice of under-dress and boots.
There was banter aplenty, with (as we were prewarned) some strong language that would have curled the ears of Jane Austen’s time, all delivered out loud even as we might have been thinking just that. Of particular note was the way that the male parts were delivered. I wouldn’t have been too convinced by this unless I had seen it myself; the girls’ subtle shift of voice and stature of body perfectly conveyed those proud male personages that were Bingley, Darcy and Wickham.
The character of Mrs Bennet (Julia Murray) was brilliantly portrayed, and Julia’s switch to Darcy was so absolute that they could have been two different actors. Georgia May Firth’s Elizabeth Bennet was somewhat resigned yet easily stirred into a frothy boil that brought ripples of laughter from the seats – and Eva Hope’s outrageous Lady Catherine de Burgh topped all with her extravagant costume and blind pomposity.
What I thought of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)
The whole cast and production deserve this to be hugely successful. And it just kept getting better. The audience were delighted – well, I cannot speak for those who were inadvertently drawn into some comedy moments of audience participation – at least they didn’t get me! I thought it very funny. Even though there was strong language, there was never a moment when I felt that the play poked fun at Jane Austen’s masterpiece in the wrong sort of way.
The production came across as appreciative of the original while delivering its own unique brand of humour. I appreciate the balance of original quotations mixed with modern-day thought and emotion. And what is more, I appreciated being able to relax for two hours of pure entertainment that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Cast
Georgia May Firth – Elizabeth Bennet
Eva Hope – Jane Bennet, Lady Catherine de Burgh, Mr Wickham
Roxanne Morgan – Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Mr Collins
Julia Murray – Mrs Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy
Phoebe Marshall – Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley
Rounding out the company as covers are Emily Cruz, Grace Farrell and Anastasia Sims-Chin
Creatives
Writer and Director – Isobel McArthur
Set and Costume Designer – Ana Ines Jabares-Pita
Lighting Designer – Ryan Joseph Stafford
Choreographer – Emily Jane Boyle
Sound Designers – Michael John McCarthy and Niamh Gaffney for Autograph
Musical Supervisor – Michael John McCarthy
Comedy Supervisor – Jos Houben
Assistant Director – Finlay Glen
Music Associate – Shonagh Murray
Assistant Choreographer – Tash Holway
Casting director – Marc Frankum
Fight Director – Claire Llewellyn of RC-Annie Ltd
Education – Carl Woodward
How much are the tickets for Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £19.50 to £46.50. Recommended age: 14+
How do I book tickets to watch Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)?
Booking info: You can book tickets online, in person at the booking office or by phone. Call the Opera House on 01298 72190 or visit buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
The booking office is normally open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays. When there is a performance, it is open until 8pm on weekdays, also 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm to 8pm on Sundays.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The performance will be running until Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 7.30pm with matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm at Buxton Opera House. The show has a running time of 90 minutes.
Where is Buxton Opera House?
Note: Please note: The A54 Cat and Fiddle road is now closed until late October. There are also delays on Fairfield Road due to obstruction from scaffolding. Please check alternative routes and allow extra time for travel.
Water street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
boxoffice@boh.org.uk
Parking/Drinks
There are plenty of pay-and-display off-road parking spaces available round the venue (but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas), but these get taken fairly quickly. There are free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues. Alternatively, you can park in the large two-storey car park off Burlington Road and take a pleasant five-minute walk down to the venue past the Pavilion Arts Centre, or through the park. Electric car charging is available at The Lee Wood Hotel and The Old Manse Guesthouse at the discretion of the guesthouse/hotel.
Drinks are available from one of the bars at the Opera House. Ice creams are also usually served. Just outside the Opera House is the Old Club House, where you can get food. There is also a selection of bars and restaurants nearby.
The train station is also a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton.
About Buxton Opera House
Buxton Opera House is a beautiful Edwardian theatre in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, designed by Frank Matcham. Opened in 1903, this Edwardian Baroque style building was later restored in 2001, It is one of the finest examples of his theatre design and is a key part of Buxton’s thriving cultural scene. The theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, musical concerts, comedy, and more.
Review by : Metia Bethell
You may also want to read this:
Review: A Fairytale for Christmas at Buxton Opera House
Review: James Bond Concert Spectacular at Buxton Opera House
Review: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Buxton Opera House
Photo Credit: Buxton Opera House/Mihaela Bodlovic
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
