Bloomshed takes a sledgehammer to Jane Austen with their vision of Pride and Prejudice. Reimagining the classic novel with the company's trademark satire, real estate panic and modern love fatigue, the Melbourne-based theatre company tackles the Bennet family’s marriage market negotiations with big ideas and plenty of laughs as they drag Austen’s romantic masterpiece into the cost-of-living crisis.
The regular Bloomshed gang are still going strong, and their chemistry keeps building momentum. The ensemble clearly loves to play, and play off each other, with their joy radiating in every scene, with Laura Aldous, Elizabeth Brennan, Syd Brisbane, Anna Louey, and Lauren Swain bringing the Bennet sisters to life. Louey’s performance is measured and engaging, weaving well into the group dynamic. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Brennan is an incredible talent to have on stage, and watching her navigate Elizabeth’s wit and bite is a real treat.
A scene where Elizabeth and Darcy (James Jackson) have tea with Lady Catherine de Bourgh (James Malcher) stands out for its quiet, understated comedy, especially thanks to Malcher’s restrained performance. It’s slow, deliberate, and filled with charged silences, the complete opposite of the show’s usual high level energy, letting the awkwardness and tension build naturally and highlighting Lady Catherine’s personality in a way that’s both funny and uncomfortable.
But this production isn’t just about love and marriage, it also scrutinises land ownership and the brutal realities of the current housing crisis. By placing Austen’s story against the backdrop of skyrocketing property prices and economic insecurity, Bloomshed exposes how deeply intertwined the pursuit of love is with financial survival. The play reveals marriage as not simply a matter of the heart, but as a strategic move in a game dominated by property and power.
Savanna Wegman’s set design holds your gaze with its striking centerpiece: a massive, single-tiered cake pierced by an oversized fork. This commanding visual serves as a clever metaphor for the Bennet family’s precarious place on the social and property ladder. It captures the show’s biting commentary on love, economics, and the messiness of having your cake and eating it too.
John Collopy’s lighting design keeps scenes feeling fresh despite the static set, using light to shift emotional tone and establish various locations without the need for props. This is complemented by Justin Gardam’s sound design, which enhances and alters the atmosphere and mood throughout the work. The frequent blackouts can be a little jarring though, breaking the rhythm and pulling the audience out of the world being presented.
Known for their sharp political edge and irreverent style, Bloomshed delivers a Pride and Prejudice that is as much a social critique as it is a love story. This production cuts through the romantic drivel to reveal the truths behind property, power, and living a happy life, leaving audiences entertained and challenged. For those seeking classic storytelling with a bold, of-the-moment perspective, Pride and Prejudice is a theatrical experience that isn't afraid to ruffle a few bonnets.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: Darebin Arts Centre, 401 Bell Street, Preston
Season: until 10 Aug | Wed - Sat 7:00pm, Sun 5:00pm
Duration: 80 minutes
Tickets: $38 Full | $30 Conc
Bookings: Darebin Arts
Image credit: Sarah Walker
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