Manchester Theatre News & Reviews

REVIEW - Pride & Prejudice is a clever, quick-witted take on a classic story that feels both familiar and new

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On Wednesday, we were invited to the Octagon Theatre, Bolton to see Pride & Prejudice. Read what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this fun production...

As a lifelong Jane Austen fan, and with Pride & Prejudice being one of my all-time favourite novels, I was really excited when the press invite came my way. I’ve seen several versions over the years, including everyone’s favourite Colin Firth adaptation, so I was intrigued to see how this bold new take by Kate Hamill would reimagine the classic. Add in the Octagon Theatre, a fantastic local venue, and the excitement levels were high.

Pride & Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a sharp-witted and strong-minded young woman living with her lively and often chaotic family in Georgian England. With a marriage-obsessed mother, a quietly sarcastic father, and a mix of sisters with clashing personalities, Elizabeth is constantly surrounded by drama, pressure, and expectation.

When she crosses paths with the proud and seemingly distant Mr. Darcy, the two immediately clash. But as their worlds continue to intertwine, misunderstandings unravel, assumptions are challenged, and both must confront their own flaws. What unfolds is a story of love, self-discovery, and the power of seeing beyond first impressions. This version manages to stay true to Austen's core themes while delivering a punchy, comic take that is as playful as it is poignant.

What truly stands out in this production is how clever and fast-paced it is. The physical comedy, character-switching, and high-energy transitions keep the story zipping along. With a small but incredibly versatile cast, the show never loses momentum. The first half sets the tone brilliantly, especially in a chaotic family introduction that had the audience laughing within minutes.

The set is simple but effective. With the theatre in-the-round, the space feels intimate, and the cast makes full use of it, moving quickly between scenes, using minimal props and lighting to signal shifts in place and mood. The production design supports the story without being showy. There’s even a clever musical nod to shows like Bridgerton, with classical-style versions of modern pop music subtly woven into the background, giving the whole thing a contemporary edge without losing its period setting.

Rosa Hesmondhalgh (The King’s Speech, We Could All Be Perfect, Children of The Night) is a strong lead as Elizabeth Bennet. She brings confidence, wit and warmth to the role, which is exactly what the character needs. Her performance as Lizzy is exactly what you’d expect from the character, she really nails that head strong personality.

James Sheldon (Ganges of New York, Pressure, The Importance of Being Earnest) plays Mr Darcy with a cool reserve that slowly gives way to something softer. Their chemistry builds naturally, and their scenes together feel grounded and believable.

There’s plenty of comedy in the supporting roles, especially from Joanna Holden (York Theatre Royal, The British Library, Manchester Royal Exchange) as the dramatic and often frantic Mrs Bennet. Ben Fensome (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Collide, Feel More) handles the shift between the awkward Mr Collins and the sly Mr Wickham with great timing and contrast. His performance in particular got a lot of laughs.

Aamira Challenger (Providers, The King’s Speech, Macbeth) brings a gentle strength to Jane Bennet, and Jessica Ellis (Hollyoaks, Doctors, The Book of Will) balances the youthful energy of Lydia Bennet with the authority of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Dyfrig Morris (Around The World in 80 Days, The Baddies, Santa’s Wish) plays Mr Bennet with dry humour, and Eve Pereira (Alice in Wonderland, A Little Princess, Run To The Nuns) and Kiara Nicole Pillai (The Jungle Book, Anya and the Potter, Romeo and Juliet) are brilliant in their multiple roles, shifting tone and pace with ease.

Each member of the cast brought something different to the table, truly bringing Austen’s iconic characters to life in a way that felt fresh and engaging. Their varied performances, from sharp comedy to heartfelt moments, gave the production both energy and depth. Whether switching between multiple roles or fully inhabiting key characters, the cast worked seamlessly together, making every personality distinct and memorable. It’s this strong, collective effort that made the story resonate and kept the audience fully involved throughout.

Some of the biggest reactions from the audience came during the more awkward or exaggerated scenes, like the failed first proposal, Mr Collins’ over-the-top courtship attempts, and the chaotic family dynamics. These moments were played with just enough exaggeration to land the laughs while still keeping the heart of the story in place.

There’s a real sense of fun in this production, and it carries through to the audience. You don’t need to know Austen’s work inside out to enjoy it. The production stays true to the time and story but adds a modern edge that will appeal not only to Austen fans but also to lovers of shows like Bridgerton. It’s great fun to watch and presents the ultimate enemies-to-lovers storyline with plenty of wit and warmth.

This version of Pride & Prejudice is a clever, quick-witted take on a classic story. Whether you’re a long-time fan or coming to it fresh, it’s an enjoyable, well-acted, and sharp piece of theatre that feels both familiar and new. For all the true romantics and chick-flick lovers, this simplified, witty take on the classic love story is for you.

WE SCORE PRIDE & PREJUDICE...