Brisbane review - Pride & Prejudice: outstanding new adaptation
By David Wilson
Pride & Prejudice Based on the Jane Austen novel
Written by Wendy Mocke and Lewis Treston
Directed by Bridget Boyle and Daniel Evans
Designer Christina Smith
Choreographed by Nerida Matthaei
Presented by Queensland Theatre
Tickets can be purchased now and start from $79. Season runs until 9 March 2025 at Playhouse, QPAC.
Queensland Theatre has launched their 2025 season in style with this outstanding new adaptation of the iconic Pride & Prejudice. In marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, this production wonderfully captures all the wit and charm that Pride & Prejudice is famous for.
The creative team has done a magnificent job with this adaptation which effortlessly blends all the expected period regency with some very unexpected modern touches. This adaptation does a wonderful job of elevating the sharp wit and dialogue of Austen to the point of being genuinely funny throughout, without watering down the important social commentary on marriage, love, wealth, class, gender politics and ultimately self-awareness. Backed by a wonderful soundtrack that was integral to the production, and magnificent costuming, lighting and other effects, this production is of the highest possible standard. The very appreciative opening night audience was totally engaged throughout - perhaps the most vocally engaged I have heard in some time - and the incredible production was rewarded with a very enthusiastic standing ovation.
The creative team was blessed with a wonderful cast of lead and supporting actors, many performing multiple roles throughout.
Maddison Burridge was simply flawless as protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, the well-read, quick-witted, spirited second daughter of Mr and Mrs Bennet, and the most intelligent and sensible of the Bennet sisters. While every aspect of Burridge’s performance was excellent, some of her best work was seen in her ability to establish and develop the various relationships Elizabeth has, such as with her father, Wickham and Darcy in particular, as well as the way in which she captured Elizabeth’s journey of self-awareness. A brilliantly nuanced performance.
Andrew Hearle was wonderful as the wealthy master of Pemberley, Fitzwilliam Darcy Esquire. From the outset, Hearle embodied an aloof arrogance, evident as much through Hearle’s gravitas and physicality as it was through his stern, discourteous delivery. In the early scenes, Hearle’s quiet, deliberate stillness was perfectly juxtaposed against Burridge’s more active, almost frantic movement, perfectly representing their opposing positions. A highlight was the way in which Hearle captured Darcy’s own journey of self-awareness while not abandoning the characters underlying values.
While Burridge and Hearle were both simply magnificent, the entire cast was wonderful.
The always excellent Bryan Probets was wonderful throughout, particularly as the sarcastic and cynical Mr Bennet. Probets brilliantly captured Mr Bennet’s deep love for his daughter Elizabeth, while simultaneously being a wholly ineffective parent.
eremiah Wray was outstanding in his various roles, none better than as the handsome and charming yet disreputable George Wickham. Wray relished the scoundrel role and was particularly commanding while on stage, using his imposing physicality and stage presence to full advantage in the role.
Cameron Hurry was an audience favourite as the often pompous, always hilarious, snobbish and obsequious clergyman Mr Collins. Hurry’s almost cartoonish portrayal was spot on, bringing the audience to laughter on many occasions.
William Carseldine was excellent as Mr Bingley, the nervous and indecisive yet well-meaning wealthy best friend of Darcy. Carseldine’s physicality and energy throughout was infectious, as was his flair for the comedic.
my Ingram was wonderful in her various roles, particularly as Miss Bingley, the snobbish, class-conscious sister of Bingley. Her comedic timing was wonderfully deliberate, her stage presence immense.
This is an outstanding production of an excellent new adaptation to mark the 250th birthday of Jane Austen and to open the 2025 season for Queensland Theatre. I thoroughly encourage you to see it.
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