I’ve never been a fan of Jane Austen’s books. I wasn’t able to relate to the time or circumstance of the women. Perhaps I was too young at the time of reading, as watching Pride and Prejudice at the Old Fitz Theatre, the similarities of women today versus in the 19^th century, are shockingly apparent.

Directed by Emma Canalese and adapted by Kate Hamill, Austen’s classic story has been turned into a comedy where romance is a game and matrimony is the goal.

Marriage is a way to alter your life circumstances. And for the Bennet family, on the verge of financial ruin, a match could be the saving grace they need.  

The focus of Austen’s story is the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, but in Hamill’s version the minor characters are given more space to develop and share the stage.

The hardworking actors, most who play dual roles, some gender fluid, do a great job in the fast-moving play.

AJ Evans, as mother Mrs Bennet, is absolutely hilarious. Playing the matriarch’s role in a farcical scene-stealing manner. Desperate for her (four, not five – Hamill has cut one of Austen’s characters) daughters to win a grand male prize, or any offer of marriage. Guiding her girls to catch a man with their female wiles, she sings: “chest and bum and dulcet tones, no-one wants to die alone” and telling them, “never hurts to get a little target practice in before the skirmish”.

Memorable, Victoria Abbott plays two contrasting characters, brilliantly shifting from the often overlooked Mary to the charming Mr Bingley. As pedantic and precise Mary, Abbott also treats us to funny little monologue interludes with tips when it comes to selecting a partner. Abbott is marvelous onstage, especially during Mary’s self-depreciating piano performance of (Radiohead) ‘Creep’, which generates lots of laughter from the audience.

Dylan O’Connor plays calculating George Wickham and Dr Collins, the snobbish English clergyman (and Mr. Bennet’s cousin). Dis-likable roles, with his outdated remark: “ladies always reject a man’s first advances” and disgusting, tongue lick, as he kissed the hand offered to him in greeting.

Mym Kwa shines; smug, playful and manipulative. She was perfect in her role as Lydia and then again as the snooty aristocrat Lady Catherine.

Other double acts include: Steve Corner, as witty Mr Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. Lucy Lock is romantic Jane and Anne De Bourgh. Finally, while Abbey Morgan is a wonderful Lizzie Bennet and Idam Sondhi performed well as Darcy the chemistry between the two characters was missing.

Adding pressure to the actors, they were required to change elements of their costumes on stage, quickly swap to the role of their other character. Provided a chair to the side of the stage and hooks on the wall to grab their new attire, however, the stark set design showed little effort and could have done with some more creative thinking.

Hamill’s version of Pride and Prejudice is a madcap comedy and has encouraged me to re-read Austen’s books!

3 stars.

Presented by The Artist Experiment and Dream Plane Productions. The show runs for approximately 2.5 hours, including interval. Pride and Prejudice is playing at the Old Fitz Theatre, until 8 February 2025.

The Old Fitz Theatre is Australia’s last pub theatre and one of Australia’s smallest theatres with just 55 seats has an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Several of Australia’s great artists have performed or had their work shown Old at the Fitz, including Tim Minchin, Kate Mulvany and Sarah Snook.

For tickets visit Old Fitz Theatre