Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (reviewed Saturday 24 August).
If you ever dreamed of authentically stepping into Jane Austen’s world, now is your chance to have a taste of that experience. Pride and Prejudice, presented by Spiritworks & Theatre Tours International and performed at Sydney Opera House, is an endearing and entertaining evening of engaging analysis, music and text reading of Austen’s debut novel, featuring her two most loved characters, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.
This adaptation by Gill Hornby sets the scene in a drawing room atmosphere, similar to the environment Austen was accustomed to where music and ‘public readings’ were a common form of entertainment (sort of like today’s open mics).
On piano we are excited to see international guest performer Melvyn Tan, who is credited with playing the opening theme to the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth.
Our violinist and MC is Madeleine Easton who delights the audience in Act 1 with fascinating tidbits about Austen’s life and career. Easton introduces each musical piece performed during the evening, giving the audience an insight and appreciation for its inclusion in the repertoire. Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelsohn and Schubert all sit comfortably next to a classical interpretation of Taylor Swift’s Lover, providing an ASMR throwback to the type of music that would have been heard and enjoyed in Austen’s time.
Giving us the book reading in Act 2 is A-list Australian actor Nadine Garner, as she sweeps about the drawing-room stage, manifesting impressions and expressions of Austen’s lively characters. It’s a wickedly funny performance, with the audience giggling along to the beauty and bold audacity of Austen’s sharp wit and biting satire.
Rather than be restricted in a frilly petticoat, set and costume designer Mikailah Looker gives Garner a gentleman’s outfit replete with a long teal coat and calf-length leather tan boots. Garner is seen striding on couches and stomping about the stage with fervour and impertinent urgency. The energy is infectious and the elocution is on point, accompanied by piano and violin played by Melvyn Tan and Madeleine Easton respectively.
Fans of the Austen cannon will love this unique performative experience, a chance to celebrate the fandom and feminist ideology created by Austen that was ahead of her time. And those that are less familiar with Austen’s work (or perhaps hated it at school!) will appreciate this modern and unstuffy reintroduction of the pertinent themes in the novel, including a humorous depiction of wealth, reputation and social class, and the hope of finding a perfect romantic love.
Thank you to all involved in this production including director Tyran Park, associate producer Vicki Mackay, production and stage manager Danny Gibson and lighting designer Matthew Tunchcon for creating this stunning vision.
Pride and Prejudice is playing at Sydney Opera House till 1 September. For tickets and showtimes, go to https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/theatre/pride-and-prejudice
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Images: Robert Catto