Jane Austen’s iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on the Octagon Stage

Review by Hilary Dawes

This UK premiere production of Kate Hamill’s version of Pride and Prejudice is a hilarious and lively take on the original novel.   Directed by Lotte Wakeham and with sharp humour and sparkling dialogue, this witty stage adaptation brings to life the classic story of love, misunderstandings and second chances, whilst ingeniously maintaining every aspect of the original story.

We join the Bennet family as they learn that Mr Bingley, a wealthy, eligible bachelor, has moved into the neighbouring grand house.   Mrs Bennet, ever on the lookout for husbands for her four daughters, is beside herself with excitement at the prospect of at least one potential husband finally arriving on the scene.   But when it comes to the subject of marriage, the second daughter, Lizzie, is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society and swears that she will never marry.  As her head is turned by the handsome Mr Wickham, and her dislike of Mr Darcy escalates, we are immersed in the world of Regency balls, matchmaking, gossip and scandal.

Jane Austen’s renowned characters are brought to life by a hugely talented cast, some playing dual roles with remarkable skill and alacrity.  Ben Fensome had the audience in stitches with his antics as the bumbling and obsequious clergyman Mr Collins, considering himself a real catch as a husband for Elizabeth or Jane, only to appear shortly afterwards playing the handsome and charming Mr Wickham.   Mr Collins eventually settles for Charlotte Lucas, played with calm resignation by Kiara Nicole Pillai, who also portrays the haughty and disdainful Caroline Bingley.

In addition to the wilful Lydia Bennet, relentlessly pursuing any red-coated officer in sight, Jessica Ellis plays the larger than life Lady Catherine de Bourgh, commanding the stage and delivering her withering put-downs with impeccable comic timing.  

There were standout performances from the remaining cast members with the iconic characters Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy beautifully played by Rosa Hesmondhalgh and James Sheldon.   Aamira Challenger and Eve Pereira gave sympathetic performances as Jane Bennet and the mild-mannered Mr Bingley, with Eve also playing the sensible and put-upon Mary Bennet with great sardonic humour.  Joanna Holden gave a wonderful performance as shrill and neurotic Mrs Bennet, whilst Dyfrig Morris was brilliant as her long- suffering husband. 

The creative team are to be commended for effectively evoking the Regency era through their superb skills in music, dance, lighting, sound, costumes and set design.

Don’t miss this exhilarating production, running at the Octagon Bolton until 28th June 2025.

Visit: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/pride-prejudice