It begins with a great bang, laughter, then a mere moment of yearning. Kate Hamil’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, directed by Emma Canalese, transforms the original classic novel — a story of romance, deep yearning and the multitudes of womanhood — into an intimate stage-play which depicts the humour and joy of the original story without sacrificing its essence.
The first scene is a joyous moment of sensory overload as the characters play a game of blindfolded tag together, screeching in laughter across the room, before everything settles and we are left with only Elizabeth Bennet (Abbey Morgan) and Mr. Darcy (Idam Sondhi) centre-stage. They are yearning for each other, as they do in every universe. It is one of the most beautiful displays of love in the entire play: not only does it highlight the undeniable romance between the two protagonists, it reflects a nostalgic love and closeness that the characters, and especially the Bennet family, hold for each other.
OldFitz Theatre is an intimate space and the cast of Pride and Prejudice are welcoming hosts. As you watch the show, it feels as though you are amongst friends rather than characters, watching as they ever-so-slowly fall in love. You laugh along with their jokes, giggle as Mr. Bingley excitedly plays ‘fetch’ in a doggish manner, groan in your palm as they say the wrong thing once again (looking at you, Mr. Darcy), you catch Lydia’s flirtatious wave from across the room, and you feel it all as if this life in front of you is part of your own.
If you are an avid Pride and Prejudice fan like myself, you know what is coming in each scene, but you still hold your breath, gripping tightly at any hand that will hold yours. The play tells the same familiar story, with the dialogue as written in the novel, in a refreshingly humorous manner. At times, it felt as though the play was missing the depth of the original story, or that the heavy messages around the weight of a marriage and complexities of womanhood were lost in the ‘fun of it all.’ The romance itself felt somewhat lacklustre at times, sacrificed for a great punchline. If you’re someone like me, who desires angst and drama above all else, you may not find what you are looking for here. Nonetheless, I do still recommend watching this play with an open mind, because it was brilliant for what it set out to be. What it lacked in depth, it made up for in accessibility, self-awareness, and humour, teaching the same lessons in a more comedically receptive manner.
It may be a re-imagined piece of work, but it sure feels like coming home. This is truly encapsulated in its constant humour, which made the audience feel less like strangers and more like a community of people in on the inside jokes. Depicting Mr. Bingely’s character as a golden retriever is genius work. In fact, here is one of my favourite original lines from the script:
“Who wants to go on a walk?” Asks Jane Bennet, to her betrothed.
“Woof!” Replies Mr. Bingley.
Truly, it’s Jane Austen reincarnated.
Kate Hamil’s Pride and Prejudice is playing at OldFitz theatre until 8th February 2025. Get your tickets here!