Review of ‘Pride & Prejudice (*sort of)’: “Bringing out an Aust-entatious laugh”

Jane Austen’s literary classic gets a wacky makeover with the return of this farcical remake, currently touring around the UK. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this parody version of the Romantic novel managed to entice him in some manner.

Love is the biggest b*tch ever. Well, that may actually be a bit of an overstatement. After all, you can’t ignore the fact that I exist, too. But can you tell me of a single amorous story where everything goes smooth? And before you answer, nobody’s interested in your little personal tale, so you can shove it in; also, because I know that’s how you like it – rough.

Anyway. In a time where great literary classics are being turned into the laughing stock of the London scene, Jane Austen’s celebrated novel of manners just couldn’t be deemed an exception. To be fair, it has every ingredient to be turned into a farce: a 19th-century chevalier setting, a matted tapestry of relationships, and loads, loads, and loads (it’s not what you’re thinking – well, maybe a bit) of gossip.

Change its framework and turn it into a reenactment performed by bored maids with Baby Reindeer accent. And there you have it! A masterpiece of the early Romanticism turned into a sophomoric travesty that even Philomena Cunk would approve of – and to be honest, so would I…

It’s absolutely hilarious – perhaps, not the most hysterical thing I’ve ever seen, but strong enough to keep you roaring all throughout (I’m loud, you see – in every aspect of my life…). A troupe of five females jump from character to character, as Austen’s passionate plot is transformed into an idiotic joke of its former self – basically, just the way it works in reality (he’s cheating on you, you can thank me later).

It’s honestly impossible not to enjoy it – and to a great extent, not to be completely taken by it. Penned and directed by Isobel McArthur, it’s the cast who, however, makes the piece work. The script is bold and occasionally sharp, but some lines are slightly predictable – sometimes, feeling as if they believed themselves to be more original than they actually are.

Yet, the company does an excellent job at counterbalancing those flaws. Their chemistry is extraordinary – you can tell they’re genuinely having fun onstage (I’m more into having it in the back side, though…). Their comedic skills are quite solid – exuding great humourousness in their act without pushing too hard (experience has taught all of us how that rarely works). Nonetheless, they can’t always get away with it. Despite playing their tongue-in-cheek cards with clout, they can’t fully grow apart from the most noticeable cracks in the writing -with several excerpts lacking, almost entirely, the same ability to amuse and even entertain us at all.

In any case, I would be lying if I said I like you – and also, if I told you that you wouldn’t like the show either, basically because you will obey my commands. But additionally, because its generally wacky vibe covers up for most of those issues. For every bit we might find ourselves slightly bored, there are ten where we will be howling. And though it’s easy to spot a few lost opportunities for a far edgier, and consequently more effective parody, there are many more moments you want to take home with you than you wish to forget.

To turn drama into jest is not too difficult. To make it work, however, is a feat reserved for the chosen ones.  Pride & Prejudice (*sort of) may not be the ultimate tour de force in terms of spoofing, but the news has set the standards very high (even macro) today without even trying. Yet, it has exactly the right amount of drollery, charm, and goofiness to make of it a much agile and absolutely delightful experience you definitely wouldn’t want to miss. It may differ in style from the one you studied at your skewl, but I’m sure Jane would love it anyhow.

All pictures credit to Mihaela Bodlovic.

Pride & Prejudice (*sort of) plays at London’s Richmond Theatre until 1 March before continuing its tour across the UK. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara