Chaotic, hilarious, and downright debaucherous. Plied and Prejudice, presented by Alex Woodward of Woodward Productions and the Arts and Culture Trust, is a certified hit and a great night out.
The premise is simple. Five actors take on one of Jane Austen’s most famous works, Pride and Prejudice, but there’s a twist. One of them is about to get seriously ‘plied’ in front of our eyes. On opening night, it’s Ayesha Gibson (Elizabeth Bennett)’s turn…
Over the next 90 minutes, we watch the troupe of actors wrangle 20 characters between them as the story progresses at breakneck speed. Written by Matthew Semple and directed by Dash Kruck, with set and costume design by Penny Challen and movement direction by Dan Venz, it’s an incredibly slick, well-oiled operation. One of the slickest I’ve seen on an opening night.
This is a testament to the skill and commitment of these talented actors. Ayesha Gibson is captivating and charming as Elizabeth Bennett & Others, and it was quite baffling to see her so poised and collected, seven-ish tequila shots in. (Trust me, with the speed of this show. you’ll find yourself losing count too.)
Jess Lally is a raucous delight as Catherine de Bourgh & Others (notably, Mrs Bennett). Lucy Goodrick is all quirk and whimsical smirk as Jane Bennett & Others.
The ‘mascs’ of the show are a clear crowd favourite. Patrick Gandin as Darcy & Others is an absolute riot, particularly in scenes where he portrays not one, not two, but three Bennett sisters. It’s a truly skilled characterisation that has the audience in hysterics.
Rp van der Westhuizen as Bingley, Collins, Wickham & Others has his work cut out for him with a multitude of roles (and accents). He rises to the occasion with a highly animated and hilarious performance.
Props also to the swings in the show, Hanna Harvey and Oliver Clare, who are on hand for a few hilarious moments of prop work and add a special Regency-era touch to the foyer pre-show.
The performance space is perfect for the show, and the lighting and tech team do a great job with some very specific cues. Sight lines may cause some issues during the run (I found myself behind a pole, which made for a bit of neck-craning), but given the venue capacity, it’s fantastic to feel so close to the action, as the actors run around and get some audience members involved along the way.
Whether you’re an Austen die-hard or have seen the film once, Plied and Prejudice is a stupidly fun show that has something for everyone with a funny bone. The Perth season has just been extended for another six weeks, so it would be sheer folly and nonsense not to snap up a ticket!
Plied and Prejudice runs to 28 September in a newly extended season, downstairs at The Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth.
Tickets are on sale now!
Website: https://woodwardproductions.com/work/pliedandprejudice
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/woodward_productions/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/pliedandprejudice/
Photo credits: Danica Zuks
Age Restriction Strictly 18+
Show contains drug and alcohol references, coarse language, sexual language, inappropriate jokes, loud music, and the wettest of wet t-shirt contests.
