"Fierce, funny, feminist take on Austen’s classic" Natalie Haigh

Last night’s performance of Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) at the Mayflower Theatre was a truly joyous and unforgettable experience. This bold, feminist reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic tale had the entire audience in stitches one moment and quietly reflective the next. It was an absolute masterclass in inventive theatre, packed with clever storytelling, sharp social commentary, and irresistible humour.

Devised and written by Isabel McArthur, the production is told entirely from the perspective of the often-invisible household staff, the maids, who were present for every whispered secret and dramatic turn in Austen’s original but never had a voice. Here, they seize the spotlight with gusto, retelling the story through karaoke, comedy, and chaos. The fourth wall was gloriously non-existent, with the actors nonchalantly appearing on stage before the show and during the interval, setting the tone perfectly. This touch underlined the play’s central idea: that these ‘background’ characters were, in fact, everywhere, all the time; observing, absorbing, and now, finally, telling their side of the story.

The entire production was brought to life by just five actors, who played all twenty characters with jaw-dropping skill. They sang, danced, swore, and switched roles in the blink of an eye. The energy was relentless, with a pace that never dropped for a second. Every cast member was fantastic, but particular highlights for me were Rhianna McGreevy, whose portrayal of Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcy (among others) was as funny as it was nuanced, and Emma Rose Creaner who was a standout, shifting effortlessly between Bingley, Miss Bingley and Charlotte with such wit, warmth and presence that you couldn’t take your eyes off her.

The staging was simple but hugely effective, relying on a playful DIY aesthetic that added to the charm. The use of everyday props and product placement was ingenious, at one point, a microphone was revealed from inside a Pringles tube, much to the audience’s delight. I’m also fairly sure I spotted a tower of Irn-Bru cans at the ball, a cheeky nod to the show’s Scottish roots and its gleeful disregard for period detail. It’s this kind of irreverence that made the whole thing feel so fresh and unpredictable.

While the show can certainly be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates smart comedy and great performances, it’s even more rewarding if you’re familiar with Austen’s original text. The script is peppered with winks, twists and turns that playfully subvert the source material, offering a loving send-up of its characters; Mrs Bennet is particularly unhinged, Mr Darcy both moody and ridiculous, and Charlotte gets an unexpected romantic twist that is both touching and thought-provoking.

In adapting the novel, McArthur has not just added a few modern jokes; she’s reframed the entire story, turning it into a powerful (but never preachy) commentary on class, gender, and the voices history forgets. And she’s done it all with karaoke, confetti, and a whole lot of laughs.

Isabel McArthur was the youngest female to win both an Evening Standard and an Olivier Award for best comedy and you can see why. What started in a small theatre in Glasgow, scheduled to run for 2 weeks has now been touring for 7 years. I certainly recommend you to see it here and if you can't make it to Southampton, then in a theatre near you.

Who’d have thought that a period drama, reimagined through the lens of karaoke-singing servants and disco balls, could have so much heart, intelligence, and meaning? Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) is as uplifting as it is hilarious, and it fully deserved the standing ovation it received.

A fabulous night out.

The show is showing at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from Tuesday 10th June until Saturday 14th June with both matinee and evening performances.

Book your tickets now!: https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/pride-and-prejudice-sort-of-2025/#book