★★★★☆
The award-winning play, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) by Isobel McArthur, has made its Sydney debut as the second stop on its national tour. This adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel is told as it should be: through gossip. Directed by Simon Harvey, it follows the plot of Pride and Prejudice, reimagined from the perspective of the Bennet family’s servants.
The cast of five plays not only the servants and sisters but also many other roles from the novel. This also includes its love interests, leading to an utterly hilarious experience. The times when the show takes itself seriously are few and far between, resulting in a night of raucous laughter.
Perhaps the most special part of the play’s Australian run is its stellar cast. It’s clear to the audience that the actors are having a wonderful time on stage.
This energy beams through Ruby Shannon’s performance, in which she plays servant Anne, both Lydia and Mary Bennet, and also the dry Mr Collins. She brings an irreverent charm to the younger sisters that is quite captivating. The final song, by one of Shannon’s characters, really brings the show together.
Teo Vegara and Kaori Maeda-Judge are excellent choices for the eldest Bennet sisters. Maeda-Judge brings a softness to her performance as Jane that contrasts well with Vegara’s witty and often abrasive performance as Elizabeth.
Mrs Bennet is played by Zoe Ioannou, and her comedic timing, tone and expressions are perfect. She also plays Mr Darcy, taking his awkwardness from the book to an extreme with great comedic effect.
The most impressive of the five is Amy Lehpamer, whose standout role is as the luxurious Miss Bingley. She also takes the role of Mr Bingley and the repressed Charlotte Lucas. Lehpamer captures her characters so well it’s easy to forget there are not three of her running around the stage.
The use of pop songs is sparing and gives the show momentum throughout its long runtime. Each actor is incredibly vocally talented, so each piece is a delight.
The show has a fun stage design that befits its silly nature. There’s choreography and scenes on the stairs that are highly entertaining. This works particularly well for a show where the entire play is told by the servants performing stories and sharing rumours.
Set and costume design is by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, and for a show with many quick changes, it’s truly amazing just how intricate and well thought out the costumes are.
It’s amusing to see each Bennet sister given a more intricate dress depending on how worried Mrs Bennet is about them. In saying this, Mary’s dress is the most gorgeous.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) will definitely appeal to those familiar with either the original novel or its adaptations, as a majority of the humour draws from wondering how they’ll portray elements of the original next.
It is fast-paced and humorous production that sees the actors taking on multiple roles with ease and breaking the fourth wall with confidence. The result is a production that will leave audiences wanting more.
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) runs in Sydney to 30 August at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House as part of a national tour.
See full dates below.
Tickets: https://www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au/#book
Website: https://www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/prideandprejudicesortofau/
Photo credits: Matthew Chen
2026 Australian Tour Dates:
Melbourne 18 June – 12 July, Athenaeum Theatre
Sydney 16 July – 30 August, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Wollongong 2 – 13 September, IMB Theatre, IPAC
Canberra 16 – 27 September, Canberra Theatre Centre
Brisbane 30 September – 18 October, Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
