Pride and Prejudice * (*sort of) brought Aberdeen audiences to their feet with its hilarious karaoke take on the classic Jane Austen novel.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s stories are loved all over the world, so much so that there’s been many TV remakes, a Bollywood hit and even a ridiculous zombie parody of the English author’s work.
But this irreverent theatre adaptation, in which servants burst into karaoke ‘when emotions run high’, might be the funniest version of the famous love story.
Oozing silliness and sensibility, it was easy to see why the show picked up the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play earlier this year.
Hilarious karaoke version of famous novel
But while the performance was overflowing with quick jokes and physical comedy, it surprisingly followed the story very closely.
Just like the novel, the show was about the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Mr Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner, who need to overcome pride and prejudice to fall in love and marry.
With her sharp wit and realistic observations, Jane Austen’s novels were always funny. But Scottish playwright Isobel McArthur – who also directs and stars in the show (as Mr Darcy and Mrs Bennet) – made the material more relatable for today’s audiences… and she threw in a few love songs for good measure.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) brought famous love songs to Aberdeen
From the moving Will You Love Me Tomorrow to the hysterical You’re So Vain, the strong cast of five did a remarkable job and brought both amazing vocals and impeccable comedy timing to the stage.
The Aberdeen audience was treated to love songs from the 60s all the way through to the 90s, but considering how contemporary the show was, I believe one or two more recent songs would make a good addition to the show which only premiered in 2018.
Isobel McArthur, Tori Burgess, Christina Gordon, Hannah Jarrett-Scott and Leah Jamieson were all fantastic, but there was one more leading lady on the stage…
British Sign Language interpreter Lesley Crerar became part of the show, with the cast interacting with the talented woman who makes HMT productions more accessible. Last night’s theatre fans cheered, clapped and signed ‘applause’ as the cast invited her to take a bow with them.
What a lovely end to a brilliant night out at the sold-out* Aberdeen theatre (*almost).
Don’t miss Pride and Prejudice * (*sort of) which is at His Majesty’s until Saturday October 15. Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.
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