★★★★★
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Jane Austen fan in possession of a ticket to Queensland Theatre Company’s Pride & Prejudice will have a greatly enjoyable time.
Following a sell-out season last year that unfortunately ended early because of Cyclone Alfred, Queensland Theatre Company once again ignites the hearts of Brisbane Austen-lovers with the return of their Matilda Award-winning production. The world-class show sees (almost all of) the same talented cast and crew performing back at the Playhouse Theatre at QPAC.
Pride & Prejudice is a story of sisterhood, unbelievable adoration and poking fun at rigid social expectations, especially for women. This production demonstrates how the themes are just as timely now as they were when Jane Austen wrote about them.
With their father’s estate entailed away to a male heir, Elizabeth Bennet (Maddison Burridge) and her four sisters have no other option than marriage to secure their future.
Luckily, the neighbouring estate Netherfield Park has just been occupied by an eligible young man of large fortune, Mr Bingley (William Carseldine), who Mrs Bennet (Gael Ballantyne) is determined to have one of her daughters marry.
Upon his arrival, Bingley is accompanied by his two sisters and mysterious best friend Mr Darcy (Andrew Hearle). While it’s very much not love at first sight, Elizabeth and Darcy are continuously drawn together in chance meetings that, despite their best efforts, untangle into a true and heartfelt love.
Co-adaptors Wendy Mocke and Lewis Treston create a play that beautifully captures the spirit of Austen’s original text and amplifies the story’s ironic and sharp humour. Their combined ingenuity brings a fresh perspective to a 200-year-old tale, while keeping the iconic lines that readers love.
Behind the scenes of spirited country balls and lovers’ quarrels are the brilliant directors Bridget Boyle and Daniel Evans. Their production is bright, beautiful and engrossing, a feat they should both be exceedingly proud of.
Designer Christina Smith transports audiences across space and time into the early 19th-century English countryside. Her set design is a masterpiece of illusion that sees the humble Playhouse stage transform into large estates and wild rumbling hills.
Maddison Burridge brilliantly brings to life one of the most beloved characters in English literature, Elizabeth Bennet. Her portrayal is joyful, quick-witted, and an absolute delight to watch. She lights up the stage with her incredible facial expressions, well-timed delivery and exaggerated movements. She’s simply stunning and a natural star.
Andrew Hearle’s Mr Darcy is a man of few words, yet his presence is impossible to look away from anytime he graces the stage. He stands tall and stoic with a quiet confidence that’s irresistible.
Mrs Bennet is even more frenzied than usual in Gael Ballantyne’s interpretation. She rushes into scenes, speaks in shrill, high-pitched tones, and even though she never complains, Ballantyne perfectly embodies poor Mrs Bennet’s nerves.
In contrast, Bryan Probets’ portrayal of Mr Bennet is cool and collected. Barely looking up from the book he is reading, he delivers hilarious and frank observations. Probets expertly captures the subtlety and dryness of British humour.
Chenoa Demaal’s Mary Bennet is filled with surprises. Gone is the philosophically obsessed reader; instead, Demaal’s character is sarcastic and outrageously funny.
The incredible Amy Ingram distinguishes herself in the dual roles of Charlotte Lucas and Miss Bingley, two strong and driven female characters. As Charlotte, her presence on stage is giddy and warm while she gossips with the two eldest Bennet sisters, like the ideal best friend. As soon as she switches to Miss Bingley, her demeanour is all snob and snark.
Cameron Hurry is entertaining and comical in his portrayal of the quirky and dull Mr Collins. He has the audience in stitches with his over-pronunciations and encroaching behaviour that sees him gripping onto Charlotte’s and his cousins’ pinkie fingers.
Choreographer and movement director Nerida Matthaei brings a modern spark to the Regency ballroom. The traditional partner line dances are made more interesting and livelier with her specific style of hip-popping moves that would typically be better suited to the club than the Regency era.
But combined with the sublime creativity of composer Guy Webster and lighting designer Jason Glenwright, the scenes come together in a beautifully vivid collage that pays homage to the timelessness of the story.
Pride & Prejudice is a classic tale of unexpected romance and social intrigue to ardently admire and swoon over. Queensland Theatre Company’s production is not just for Austen fans, but for anyone who dearly loves a laugh. Watch as your favourite rom-com jumps off the page and onto this glorious stage.
Pride & Prejudice is presented by Queensland Theatre Company and runs to 26 July at the Playhouse, QPAC.
Tickets: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/queensland-theatre-company-pride-and-prejudice
Website: https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/pride-and-prejudice-2026
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qld_theatre/
Photo credits: Morgan Roberts
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