Scottish hit Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen, will transfer to the West End’s Criterion Theatre for an open-ended run, previewing from 15 October and opening on 2 November 2021.
McArthur’s unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s classic love story was critically acclaimed when it played at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre. Men, money and microphones are fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation, which includes pop classics such as ‘Every Day I Write the Book’, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’, ‘I Got You Babe’ and ‘You’re So Vain’.
Five actresses portray the young female servants who retell one of literature’s most famous stories, and these same five actresses play every other character, as well as singing and playing instruments.
David Pugh, the Olivier and Tony Award-winning producer behind the transfer, commented:
“I so wanted to bring Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) to London’s glittering West End. I wanted to put it into the perfect theatre, which is the Criterion, and I would only open it as one of the first NEW shows in London where every seat could be filled. Inviting audiences back to the theatre, it is essential that they feel safe but, as important, is that tickets are affordable. There will be no premium seats and tickets at the Criterion Theatre will be £9.50 to £59.50.”
The cast of the original Tron Theatre production will be reunited. Writer and director McArthur will once again play Darcy and Mrs Bennet. Also in the cast will be Tori Burgess as Mr Collins, Christina Gordon as Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Jane, Hannah Jarrett-Scott as Charlotte and Charles Bingley and Meghan Tyler as Lizzie Bennet.
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) will be directed by McArthur and Simon Harvey, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, lighting by Colin Grenfell, musical supervision by Michael John McCarthy, sound design by Michael John McCarthy and Luke Swaffield for Autograph and choreography by Emily-Jane Boyle.
David Pugh presents Tron Theatre Company, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Blood of the Young’s production with co-producers Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage and Oxford Playhouse.
