Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) review | Athenaeum Theatre

More than two centuries after its publication, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice remains one of literature's most beloved romances, celebrated for its social observations, sparkling wit and enduring examination of class, marriage and first impressions. Published in 1813, the novel follows Elizabeth Bennet and the enigmatic Mr Darcy as misunderstandings and prejudice gradually give way to love.

In Pride and Prejudice (*sort of), writer Isobel McArthur gives Austen's classic a modern makeover. Told from the perspective of the household servants, with just five performers - Amy Lehpamer, Zoe Ioannou, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Ruby Shannon and Teo Vergara - playing every role, the Olivier Award-winning production combines breakneck costume changes, pop anthems and irreverent humour while retaining the heart of Austen's story. The result is an inventive reimagining of a tale that is fresh and funny.

Pride and Prejudice review | Darebin Arts Centre

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.

2 Proud 2 Prejudiced: An Austen-tatious Cabaret review | Melbourne Fringe Festival | The Butterfly Club

When you've made some incredible cabarets around dinosaurs and under water creatures there's nowhere left to go but Jane Austen, and that's exactly where Picked Last For Sport have gone with their new Melbourne Fringe Festival show, 2 Proud 2 Prejudiced: An Austen-tatious Cabaret.

It's a bonnet heavy evening of harmonising as the quintet delves into the lives and stories of the five Bennet sisters. Each of the cast (Sarah Edgar, Ryan Smith, Sean Sully, Melissa Viola and Freya Long) take to their characters with exaggerated but committed energy, particularly Sully as the very sensible and dry Mary and Viola as the youngest and most excitable sister Lydia.