Direct from its triumph in the West End, Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is currently embarking on its second UK tour, playing its first show of the year in Manchester (where it sadly did not play last time around).
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. There have been countless adaptations of Austen’s seminal novel but this is an adaptation like no other. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation, where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.
“It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.”
Since premiering in Glasgow in June 2018, the play (with music) has gone from strength to strength. The 2019-2020 UK tour was sadly cut short by the pandemic but the play found a home in the West End in October 2021. The West End production was nominated for three Olivier Awards: it won the award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, with two further nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Tori Burgress and Christina Gordon).
Whilst Pride & Prejudice is timeless, it’s also dated, and I, personally, have little interest in seeing straight-forward adaptations of the novel (even though my last name is Darcy). However, this sort of adaptation has given the story a makeover and new relevance. There’s no zombies in this fun, new adaptation, but it does feature some of the best-known and most-loved 20th century songs, such as ‘Everyday I Write the Book’, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’, ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Holding Out for a Hero’, and ‘You’re So Vain’. What more could you want?!
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) runs at The Lowry from January 19 to 21 and tours the UK until late June.
