If you’re looking to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, the funniest party is in Hampshire over the next few days – and you don't want to miss it. 

There was laughter from start to finish for Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at Mayflower Theatre. I cannot emphasise how much I loved this production.

It’s Jane Austen like you’ve never seen before, with profiterole towers, Frosties and Pringle cans, oh, and a bit of Bonnie Tyler, Elton John and Marvin Gaye. 

The brainchild of Isobel McArthur, the all-female cast effortlessly and hilariously takes you through the whole tale in less than two and a half hours. 

The twist? It is being told to us via the staff, the inconspicuous characters we normally see changing the beds or clearing the kitchen. But this time, they’re putting on the fancy coats and colourful feathers to show us the iconic story. 

Don't touch Caroline Bingley's vaseDon't touch Caroline Bingley's vase (Image: Mihaela Bodlovic)



You might think Pride and Prejudice has been done to death. How many more adaptations do we really need? But McArthur takes Jane Austen where she’s never been before – specifically for a cheeky cigarette behind the bin, or shall I say, the Jane Aust-bin. 

Swapping coats and dresses like no one's business, the five women effortlessly transform from one character to the next. At one point, you forget there are just five people on stage. 

Emma Rose Creaner had the whole theatre cracking up with her take on Charles and Caroline Bingley. Her physical comedy was outstanding, as was her recorder playing skills. 

The Bennet's are a force to be reckoned withThe Bennet's are a force to be reckoned with (Image: Mihaela Bodlovic)



Matching her comedy was Eleanor Kane, who did not shy away from the weird and peculiar as Mr Collins and Mary Bennet. Equally, Christine Steel is fabulous as Jane Bennet, but brings a chilling element as stern Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Our two love interests, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, were brought to life by Naomi Preston-Low and Rhianna McGreevy. 

This version of Elizabeth is loud, funny and loyal. She also means business and doesn’t shy away from putting Darcy in his place with Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’.

A special mention goes to McGreevy, who effortlessly transformed between emotionless heartthrob Darcy and stressed Mrs Bennet. She was the highlight of the entire performance. 

The comedy doesn’t shy away from the fourth wall, nor does it ignore the cultural moments we all love about previous adaptations, especially that specific scene with the lake. 

If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you'll love the little Easter eggs and inside jokes, but equally, if you've somehow avoided the story, don't worry, this might be the perfect way to introduce yourself.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is on at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, June 14 and tickets can be purchased online at mayflower.org.uk.