Review of Pride and Prejudice

Review of Pride and Prejudice: Crescent Arts Centre 25/08/12

Kaleidoscope Theatre Company is to be congratulated on this masterly production of Pride and Prejudice at the Crescent Arts Centre, which in spite of its three hour run, never for a moment slacked or lagged and remained commendably truer to the celebrated novel than the 1995 BBC TV mini-series produced by Sue Birtwistle 1995, which starred Colin Firth.

The casting was inspired, with the Bennett girls nicely differentiated, Elizabeth, as always, the most assertive and vivacious as she brought a true elegance to the part. It was impossible not to warm to the empty headed younger sisters, Lydia and Kitty, who played their roles to energetic perfection, squeals and all. The parents might had likewise have sprung right out of the novel, the effusive silly mother and the wiser father, each a good foil for each other. Caroline Bingley as The Bitch Sister, with perfect enunciation struck an entertaining and genuine note and looked the glamorous socialite ‘to a T’.

The suitors, Darcy and Collins gave convincing performances. Mr Collins’ proposal to Elizabeth was spectacular. Darcy’s first dance with Elizabeth was among the best moments of the play. Given the important role letters play in the action, it was a splendid touch to have them read aloud in their authors’ voices. In fact, unfolding the story, its balls, visits and family life-vignettes in such a restricted space was a tremendous feat—not to mention the efficiency and seamlessness with which the stage scenery was managed.

The costumes, simple but contemporary, re-created those by-gone days realistically and there was a nice contrast between the garb of the girls and the imposing attire of Lady Catherine nicely set off by Brenda Liddy, complete with to-die-for jewellry. Brenda Liddy brought forth the complex arrogance and vulnerability of a woman who struggles to manipulate the intrigues of Regency society’s ‘pride and prejudice’.

Director Kerry Rooney is to be heartily complimented but plaudits are due all round.   

Carmel McQuaid © 2012