Pride and Prejudice

Heidelberg Theatre Company has done an apt job of bringing Jane Austen’s beloved classic to life on stage. On opening night, the house appeared full and the production seemed well prepared.

The show opens with a jovial scene of Regency-period dancing. The cast showed good mastery of Dianne Mileo’s choreography. The men looked particularly dashing in their officers’ uniforms. The Fortepiano added atmosphere and authenticity to the production.

Aimée Sanderson was charming as the lead protagonist Elizabeth Bennet and Abi Richardson brought much comic relief as a melodramatic Mrs Bennet. The whole cast showed good characterisation, with the key aspects of each personality and relationship shining through, although a little over-the-top in some instances. I found Mr Collins difficult to understand, perhaps he was speaking too quickly.

The story was told well. I was not familiar with it but was able to follow with ease. There were a few awkward moments in the direction, with some lip-syncing while letters were read aloud and people being on stage unnecessarily. I felt the drama of the final scene where Elizabeth and Darcy finally unite was a little lost and could have been cut after the kiss to create a theatrical climax.

The set functioned well, allowing room for all the different settings. The names of each locations appeared in lighting at the start of each scene, which helped comprehension. I enjoyed the scene changes, which avoided fades to black and instead were executed by people in costume under dim lighting.

The costumes were period appropriate with some beautifully made pieces such as the ladies’ coats. Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s costumes in particular helped portray their characters’ wealth.

Overall a delight for Jane Austen fans new and faithful, Heidelberg Theatre Company should be proud to add this production to its 65-year tradition of bringing non-professional theatre to the community.

Sophia Dickinson

Images: Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Aimee Sanderson) offers a sympathetic ear to her elder sister Jane (Claire Abagia) who has just had her hopes of marriage to Mr Charles Bingley thwarted, and, fter misunderstandings, apparent family disgrace and outright rejection, Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Aimee Sanderson) finally accepts the Mr Darcy's (James Antonas) hand in marriage.