REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) (UK Tour, Glasgow)

Updated: Feb 10

The King's Theatre, Glasgow

9 November 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) and Glasgow King's Theatre

I first saw Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) on its premier run at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, I'm going to guess in 2018, but all the pre-Covid years have merged into one now.

I had no idea what to expect. I sat front row (which if you know the Tron is ON the stage) and I fell in love. I had never seen such fine comic acting. The humour was right up my street and I came away vowing to catch everything that Isobel McArthur and Hannah Jarrett-Scott do in future.

Following it's award-winning run in the West End, the show is now on a UK tour and I had to be there for the homecoming performance in Glasgow. I sat front row again (I never do this, but I wanted to see everything!)

The story is told via the housemaids and I had forgotten that they 'clean' the theatre before curtain up. The cast are polishing the banisters and dusting the boxes, calling out to each other as the audience take their seats. I love that!

The show is still as hilarious and chaotic as I remember. And I'm pleased that the low budget effects that made it so funny originally remain in place (the horse and the rain for example). I was definitely in the splash zone!

But it's the cast and performances that make this show. Each cast member plays multiple characters. It's slick, clever and all the funnier for that. All 5 actors are very good in their roles. I don't know how they keep a straight face. Especially at 'the pringles' scene.

Hannah Jarrett-Scott plays Mr Bingley and Caroline Bingley (and others). Her posture, mannerisms and voice changes with each character so we are never confused as to whom we are watching. It is a remarkable performance! Hannah's facial expressions and comic timing are gold. It is no surprise she was nominated for 'Best West End Debut' this year.

Isobel McArthur not only wrote this play but stars as Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcy (and others). What an incredible talent. Her Mr Darcy eyebrow deserves an award of its own.

This play does not take itself too seriously. It's fun and the performances are epic. You will not see a better comic actor than Hannah Jarret-Scott.

I think it does help to know the source material (Pride & Prejudice) a little. But don't go expecting a faithful retelling of Jane Austen's tale. Please remember the asterisk* (*sort of). This Pride and Prejudice has Karaoke, and its tongue is very firmly in its cheek!

[Review first posted on Instagram 30 November 2022]