Melbourne Reviews

If you’re a fan of the BBC’s 1995 TV series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, you will be delighted by Pride & Prejudice: An Adaptation in Words & Music.

In fact, if you’re a lover of any adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, of classical music, of Jane Austen, of anything Regency era, of Nadine Garner, or even just of theatre generally, there is so much to like about the production.

If you’re not very familiar with Pride and Prejudice, perhaps the first thing you need to know about the novel is that it hasn’t been out of print in 200 years – and with good reason. Austen wrote this at a time where novels hadn't before been used to deliver biting social commentary, especially not in a romance genre.

Pride & Prejudice: An Adaptation in Words & Music, directed by Tyran Parke, is a theatrical retelling of Jane Austen's most famous work. It brings together the incredible music of Carl Davis from the BBC TV series and Jane Austen’s words.

The show opened with pianist Dan Le and violinist Madeleine Easton playing the iconic main theme from the 1995 series, a bright and lively number. For the first half of the show it was just the two of them on stage, as Easton set the scene. She gave context about the time period and society in which the novel is set, discussed its ever-relevant themes – including (as you might imagine) pride, prejudice, romance and the challenges of navigating society as a woman – and the courage that Austen had to write such a novel in this time. This really helped the audience to dive into the story and world.

This was interspersed with Le and Easton performing pieces from the time, which gave you the opportunity to appreciate their proficiency. Both musicians are clearly masters at their craft – both technically, but also in the way that they do what great artists do best: play with feeling. There was such beautiful light and shade in their playing, and they tackled complex pieces with seemingly effortless dexterity that was mesmerising to watch.

Easton explained that the purpose of public readings back in Regency times was to bring people together in a sitting room to experience and discuss literary works, creating a space that wouldn’t have otherwise existed in society. Setting the theatrical reading up in this way – repeating a tradition of Austen’s time and highlighting the value of a shared experience – set the scene for Nadine Garner’s entrance.

Garner’s theatrical reading was a delight to behold, especially for a Pride and Prejudice fan. A seasoned and skillful performer, she commanded the stage with captivating presence and captured the diverse characterisations of each role perfectly.

As she delivered the abridged version of the novel she moved easily about the stage, which was well used to set different scenes. A clever use of props, such as Garner opening letters when characters received them, and costume, such as a dramatic swish of her coat, enhanced the performance.

Garner delivered some fantastic comedic and dramatic moments, enhanced by evocative accompanying music, to which the audience were very responsive. We laughed, groaned and our hearts sank and swelled as the story ebbed and flowed. The standing ovation at the end of the performance and cheers of appreciation are a testament to the joyful success of this production.