Pride and Prejudice* (sort of) is currently playing at the wonderful Cambridge Arts Theatre as part of its UK tour. We had no idea what to expect. From the pictures, it looked a bit silly, loud and over the the top but having watching the show, we can confirm it is all of these things and an absolute delight from start to finish!

Based on the ever so famous Jane Austen story Pride and Prejudice, five servants - who are ever so slightly bitter about the fact that they never get to play characters of substance with a happy ending in the Austen novels - decide to tell us the story themselves, with the five of them playing all of the characters. The whole ensemble in the show are absolutely hilarious with razor sharp comic timing and work together seamlessly for the larger comedic moments.

The tireless direction from Isobel McArthur and Simon Harvey means that the energy never drops for a nano second through the show and your eyes are treated to chaos erupting from different sides and parts of the stage at all times. This is a show with songs comically sang into microphones and whilst the quality of the singing is a little hit and miss, it adds to the heightened daftness and makes for some really fun moments.

Isobel McArthur is a complete tour de force on the stage, switching between the roles of potty mouthed mother to pouty Mr Darcy with expert precision. Hannah Jarrett-Scott also needs high praise for her performance. She is a clear crowd favourite and her versatility and physicality has the audience in the palm of her hand throughout. Completing the fantastic cast are Tori Burgess, Christina Gordon and Leah Jamieson, all of whom shine just as brightly as the other. Even typing this review, we’re still beaming at how joyful it was to watch these five talented performers play on stage.

Set and props are used to great effect and rarely a minute passes by without an eruption of laughter from the audience. There are songs sang, instruments played, a million costume changes, and we would be very surprised if a single person left without a smile on their face. Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) really does tick all the boxes for an enjoyable night out.

Did we get the Lake scene? No, no we did not. But did we have a wonderful evening? ABSOLUTELY.

A rip roaring romp.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) plays in Cambridge until 19 November and continues to tour the UK until June 2023. Tickets for select touring venues can be purchased here.