Pride & Prejudice (*sort of)
by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen
Photo credit: Michaela Bodlovic
It is a truth universally acknowledged… that a book lover in Bath can’t resist a night of Jane Austen-inspired theatre!
As a city steeped in Georgian elegance, Bath has long been intertwined with the legacy of Jane Austen. The author lived here in the early 1800s, and the city continues to celebrate her life and work throughout the year with affection - hosting regular festivals, walking tours, and even a dedicated Jane Austen Centre. With such a deep local connection, any theatrical adaptation of her novels naturally carries a certain weight of expectation. So, when Pride and Prejudice (sort of) arrived at the Theatre Royal Bath for its press night, I was intrigued to see how this bold reimagining would be presented to a city so devoted to Austen’s more traditional image.
Following its Olivier Award-winning success in the West End, *Pride and Prejudice (sort of) arrives in Bath with a burst of energy, wit, and feminist flair—and what a pleasure it is to witness.
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the press night at the Theatre Royal Bath—and I can confidently say I laughed from beginning to end. Full of laughter, sharp wit, and joyful chaos from start to finish. This wildly inventive retelling of Jane Austen’s classic had the whole audience grinning, clapping along, and occasionally singing under their breath.
As a city steeped in Georgian elegance, Bath has long been intertwined with the legacy of Jane Austen. The author lived here in the early 1800s, and the city continues to celebrate her life and work throughout the year with affection - hosting regular festivals, walking tours, and even a dedicated Jane Austen Centre. With such a deep local connection, any theatrical adaptation of her novels naturally carries a certain weight of expectation. So, when Pride and Prejudice (sort of) arrived at the Theatre Royal Bath for its press night, I was intrigued to see how this bold reimagining would be presented to a city so devoted to Austen’s more traditional image.
Following its Olivier Award-winning success in the West End, *Pride and Prejudice (sort of) arrives in Bath with a burst of energy, wit, and feminist flair—and what a pleasure it is to witness.
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the press night at the Theatre Royal Bath—and I can confidently say I laughed from beginning to end. Full of laughter, sharp wit, and joyful chaos from start to finish. This wildly inventive retelling of Jane Austen’s classic had the whole audience grinning, clapping along, and occasionally singing under their breath.
Photo credit: Michaela Bodlovic
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel is as smart as it is silly, delivering a refreshing take on a well-known classic that manages to both honour and subvert its source material in equal measure. This riotous retelling is a sharp, sparkling delight. With karaoke classics, flying cake, and buckets of wit, the show is a gloriously anarchic celebration of friendship, feminism, and falling in love (or not).
What truly makes this production shine is the powerhouse all-female cast. Each of the five incredibly talented performers brought something unique to the stage, delivering standout performances while effortlessly switching between characters, accents, and personalities with enviable charisma and comic timing. Slipping effortlessly between roles, the all-female cast bring the entire ensemble of Austen’s world to life with a mix of sharp humour, heartfelt sincerity, and karaoke interludes that somehow feel entirely at home amidst the Regency setting. The cast received a well-deserved standing ovation last night and each performer brings their own unique spark to the stage.
Rhianna McGreevy was magnetic in the roles of Flo, Mrs Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy—her stage presence was captivating and her comedic instincts spot-on. Naomi Preston-Low charmed the audience with her expressive delivery and perfect timing, bringing both warmth and sass to her characters. Emma Rose Creaner was an absolute delight, her versatility and physical comedy had me in stitches more than once. Susie Barrett delivered some of the biggest laughs of the night with a brilliant mix of sarcasm and heart, and Christine Steel was simply wonderful - confident, bold, and utterly hilarious throughout.
Their chemistry on stage is electric, their timing razor-sharp, and their energy infectious. It’s an ensemble performance in the truest sense, and every character - whether noble, naive, or downright ridiculous - is brought to life with a brilliant comic touch.
What truly makes this production shine is the powerhouse all-female cast. Each of the five incredibly talented performers brought something unique to the stage, delivering standout performances while effortlessly switching between characters, accents, and personalities with enviable charisma and comic timing. Slipping effortlessly between roles, the all-female cast bring the entire ensemble of Austen’s world to life with a mix of sharp humour, heartfelt sincerity, and karaoke interludes that somehow feel entirely at home amidst the Regency setting. The cast received a well-deserved standing ovation last night and each performer brings their own unique spark to the stage.
Rhianna McGreevy was magnetic in the roles of Flo, Mrs Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy—her stage presence was captivating and her comedic instincts spot-on. Naomi Preston-Low charmed the audience with her expressive delivery and perfect timing, bringing both warmth and sass to her characters. Emma Rose Creaner was an absolute delight, her versatility and physical comedy had me in stitches more than once. Susie Barrett delivered some of the biggest laughs of the night with a brilliant mix of sarcasm and heart, and Christine Steel was simply wonderful - confident, bold, and utterly hilarious throughout.
Their chemistry on stage is electric, their timing razor-sharp, and their energy infectious. It’s an ensemble performance in the truest sense, and every character - whether noble, naive, or downright ridiculous - is brought to life with a brilliant comic touch.
Photo credit: Michaela Bodlovic
From Céline Dion to Bonnie Tyler, the song choices are inspired and unexpected—but somehow, they work perfectly, weaving hilariously and heartbreakingly into the action. It’s karaoke meets Austen in the best possible way.
It was a real joy to watch this ensemble bounce off each other so naturally, their camaraderie and collective energy driving the show’s momentum with flair. There’s something special about watching a group of actors who are clearly having as much fun on stage as the audience is in the stalls. This isn’t your traditional Pride and Prejudice—it’s louder, funnier, and unapologetically modern. But at its heart, it still carries that timeless charm, cutting commentary, and romantic tension we know and love.
If you're in need of a laugh, a lift, or just a night of sheer theatrical joy, get yourself a ticket. Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is now showing at Bath's Theatre Royal until Saturday 19th April. This one is not to be missed.
It was a real joy to watch this ensemble bounce off each other so naturally, their camaraderie and collective energy driving the show’s momentum with flair. There’s something special about watching a group of actors who are clearly having as much fun on stage as the audience is in the stalls. This isn’t your traditional Pride and Prejudice—it’s louder, funnier, and unapologetically modern. But at its heart, it still carries that timeless charm, cutting commentary, and romantic tension we know and love.
If you're in need of a laugh, a lift, or just a night of sheer theatrical joy, get yourself a ticket. Pride and Prejudice (sort of) is now showing at Bath's Theatre Royal until Saturday 19th April. This one is not to be missed.