A Trendy Twist on a Traditional Story ~ DownshiftingPRO
It was the opening dance sequence—and the duvet of this system—that threw me off. Elizabeth Bennet, headphones slung casually round her neck, slow-mo dancing to EDM (digital dance music)? I balked. I’d anticipated a conventional manufacturing with empire-waist robes and Regency-era restraint. I used to be mistaken.
Satisfaction and Prejudice, the ultimate manufacturing of the 2024–25 season at London’s Grand Theatre, leans into up to date aptitude and stylized selections. Whereas there have been just a few awkward moments, for probably the most half, this manufacturing was a intelligent and totally satisfying adaptation.
This isn’t your grandmother’s Jane Austen—however the wit, romance, and absurdity of social expectations are all nonetheless there.
Kate Hamill’s Satisfaction and Prejudice breathes new life into the enduring story, revitalizing it for a contemporary viewers whereas retaining these empire-waist expectations excessive. Creative Director Rachel Peake explains Austen’s lasting energy:
“The factor Austen will get very proper, that defines her means to final by means of time, is the best way she units humour alongside social commentary.” She provides: “Kate Hamill mirrors Jane Austen’s humor and updates it for the twenty first century.”
This model debuted in 2017 on the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Pageant and introduced with it a female-forward lens. Hamill’s script encourages gender-bending roles and double-casting—not simply to make some extent, however to create extra alternatives for women-identifying performers.
Director Rebecca Northan proudly notes: “I’m completely satisfied to say that our manufacturing clocks in at 75% feminine illustration on stage and 88% illustration on the Inventive Staff!”
Northan makes use of seen costume adjustments onstage to nice impact. Actors flip between roles rapidly and typically hilariously. At first, it’s a bit disorienting—nevertheless it quickly turns into a part of the manufacturing’s appeal. Solely Lizzy and Mr. Darcy stay of their roles all through; the remainder of the solid takes on a number of characters.
It’s all the time a pleasure to see Beck Lloyd on stage. After her highly effective efficiency in Managed Injury on the Grand in 2023, she returns as a assured, witty, and layered Elizabeth Bennet. Her chemistry with the solid—and her quiet command of the stage—are a pleasure to look at.
Kate Henning is equally magnetic because the splendidly annoying Mrs. Bennet. She balances comedian desperation with coronary heart, making the viewers each cringe and chortle at her matchmaking mania.
“Henning is a nationwide treasure,” stated Beck Lloyd after the present—and I couldn’t agree extra. Recognized for her TV work (Anne of Inexperienced Gables, Saving Hope, Bomb Women) and performs produced at Stratford and Shaw, Henning is a drive.
This manufacturing is much less about sweeping romance and extra in regards to the ridiculousness of the social system that pressures girls into marriage. Sure, there’s love and longing, however the humour is what drives this model. (And sure, Kitty has gone lacking on this adaptation—we’re all the way down to 4 sisters.)
The Bennet daughters had been every sharply drawn: Raechel Fisher as mild, shy Jane; Lior Maharjan as a free-spirited, troublemaking Lydia; and Sarah Wilson, who stole scenes as a brooding, goth-inspired Mary. She was a show-stealer and stored the viewers in stitches. Beck Lloyd’s Lizzy, after all, stays the witty coronary heart of the story.
Andrew Moodie—who makes his Grand Theatre debut—performed each Mr. Bennet and a delightfully awkward Charlotte Lucas. He was wonderful in each roles, and I hope we see extra of him subsequent season. Eric Craig performed Mr. Darcy – overshadowed by the antics of the opposite characters, he was extra a supporting actor than the lead.
Carmen Grant was a whirlwind of versatility, flipping seamlessly between Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, and Miss Bingley. Her fast transformations, each bodily and emotional, had been a category in character work.
I extremely advocate you see this excellent present. This was a daring and really humorous manufacturing that had the viewers laughing loudly and infrequently. A contemporary take, sure—however grounded within the timeless humour and social commentary that Jane Austen does finest.
For those who’re interested by what the Grand Theatre has to supply, it is a fantastic observe to finish the season on. And there’s extra to stay up for subsequent yr, together with Frozen, Come From Away, and The Significance of Being Earnest. I’ll be sharing extra on that upcoming season very quickly!
Particulars to Know:
Satisfaction and Prejudice performs on the Spriet Stage from April 28 – Might 17, 2025. Single tickets vary from $24-$96 (Topic to Availability), and can be found at www.grandtheatre.com, by cellphone at 519.672.8800, or on the Field Workplace, 471 Richmond Avenue.
Margarita Ibbott is a journey and way of life blogger. She blogs about journey in Canada, the US and Europe giving sensible recommendation by means of restaurant, lodge and attraction critiques. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and different on-line media shops.
