Pride and Prejudice, Illyria Theatre Review
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is one of the most loved novels in English Literature. Regarded as the most popular of Jane Austen’s literary genius, outdoor theatre company Illyria brought their talent and humour to this production this August.
Audience members arrived early with their various camping chairs, picnic baskets and blankets ready to set their stall out to enjoy the production in front of Leicester’s De Montfort Hall. The Hall is the perfect setting for the show as the audience sit under the summer sky with the sounds of nature adding to the atmosphere all around.
2025 signals not only the 250th year since Jane Austen’s birth, but also the 34th consecutive season that Illyria have performed a range of shows to audiences outdoors across the country. Pride and Prejudice proves to be one of their most popular sell-out shows, bringing audiences from near and far.
Theatre and Tonic look forward to reviewing Illyria’s outdoor performances each year and the happy atmosphere that they provide to delighted audience members with their additions to your summer plans.
The determined and bubbly Mrs Bennet, played by Lauren Wilson, is on the lookout for prospective husbands for her five daughters, and at the start of the show, not one of her charming daughters has had any marriage proposals, and there are no prospects on the horizon. In their first year with Illyria, Lauren Wilson brings energy and hilarity to their role as the mother of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters.
Lizzie Bennet, played by Chelsea Vincent, meets the dashingly handsome Mr Darcy, whom she instantly takes a dislike to, and her elder sister Jane meets his friend, Mr Bingley, of Netherfield Park. Chelsea provides narration throughout the show and corresponds by letter with her friend Miss Bingley. The use of an erratic quill and random props as a desk brings a comedic aspect to this representation of an incredibly well-known romance.
Whilst his eccentric wife aims to find suitable husbands for all five of their daughters all at once, Mr Bennet, played by Stewart Briggs, very often believes in the best for his daughters even if this displeases his wife. Stewart brings a level of calm both to the stage and to the fictional household, and I enjoyed the balance between the range of actors on stage. It is also his first season acting with Illyria too!
This incredibly talented cast of only five actors take on a range of roles throughout the production, which provides many moments of laughter for the audience. The horsedrawn carriage rides between different estates are emulated by the use of coconuts as castanets and the rapid costume changes that the actors make are carried out seamlessly but with a little laughter from the audience.
Brightly coloured, flamboyant costumes also bring a more modern feeling to this production. This show is an easy watch with carriages full of humour on a pleasant summer’s evening.
Will Mrs Bennet be able to find prospective matches for all her daughters by the end of the show?
You can catch Pride and Prejudice which tours around the country until Saturday 21st September as well as Illyria’s other productions of The Wind in the Willows, The Merry Wives of Windsor and HMS Pinafore at various different locations. Details can be found here: https://www.illyria.co.uk/
As always at Theatre and Tonic, we look forward to seeing which shows Illyria decides to entertain us with next year.
★ ★ ★ ★
