Being Mr Wickham, Jermyn Street Theatre Review
Adrian Lukis in Being Mr Wickman. Photo by James Findlay.Written by Mia for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Although most of us (myself included) claim to be Team Darcy, let’s be honest - we all love a bad boy. I’m fairly sure that if we were 15 and one of the silliest girls in England, it would be Wickham upon whom we bestowed our charm.
Now that we’re grown ups, obviously, Fitzwilliam is the sensible choice - for the library at Pemberley alone…and yet, do we not sometimes wonder what became of the charming - yet scandalous - George Wickham?
Luckily for us, Adrian Lukis is here to reprise his infamous role and explain. Wine in hand. Obviously.
Directed by Guy Unsworth, Being Mr Wickham is a short, sharp show, as a much older George Wickham muses on his life since Pride & Prejudice ended. ‘Who would have thought I’d make it to 60,’ he ponders, swirling his claret, eyes flickering to where his beloved angel Lydia - yes they’re still married - is sleeping.
It’s a delightful trip down Memory Lane, especially for fans of the BBC version of Jane Austen’s classic story. There are hints at what the rest of the family are up to (Mr Bennet refuses to die, and Mr Collins is fuming), but also Wickham’s version of past events. Did he really decline the living at Kimpton, or did Darcy wrench it from him unceremoniously?
The choice is yours, but as Adrian Lukis catches your eye and smiles, it’s like seeing a roguish George Wickham stride confidently across the floor of the Assembly Rooms and ask you to dance. And, what else could one do but blush, smile serenely and accept?
At Jermyn Street Theatre until 22 June.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆.5
