On Saturday we enjoyed a production of Pride and Prejudice at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. This production was a collaboration between Theatre by the Lake, Bolton Octagon and the Stephen Joseph Theatre. The Saturday matinée was actually the penultimate performance, as I'd dithered about booking tickets, but goodness me, am I glad that I decided to book!
What a stunning performance. Whilst remaining faithful to the original novel, with one or two obviously missing characters and incidents, the performance was extremely funny and fresh. Performed in the round there was an intimacy and immediacy about the play which the audience clearly loved.
The acting was superb, stand out performances were Rosa Hesmondhalgh as Elizabeth Bennett and James Sheldon as Mr Darcy. However, the star of the show was Ben Fensome as the greasy, unctuous and obsequious Mr Collins. This incredibly versatile actor also doubled up as the wicked and scheming Mr Wickham.
We absolutely loved the performance. The music added to the pleasure; we definitely spotted songs from Bridget Jones' Diary and Love, Actually.
The final moments of the play included the wet shirt scene from the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice adaptation. I wonder if many people actually think this was part of Jane Austen's novel, so iconic is it!
What a wonderful afternoon's entertainement. Well done Theatre by the Lake for another stunning performance.