Pride & Prejudice – A New Musical

Huon Valley Theatre Inc. has presented a wonderful version of the Jane Austen classic – “Pride & Prejudice – A New Musical”, and taken it to a broader audience. This musical version of the classic story, a collaboration between Carl Lawton and Louella Jury, was a vehicle for showcasing the skills and talents of the Huon Youth Theatre group, giving the young performers a chance to experience performing in venues outside their home territory. 

In the tradition of repertory theatre, the production travelled from Huonville to Hobart, including an al fresco, matinee performance preview before opening in Hobart. Public anticipation was eager – all performances sold out. I saw the outdoors and indoors productions. The outdoor performance, set in the gardens and under the veranda of the beautiful, historical home, the Stonehouse, was a fit setting for a period play. For the actors, special challenges of diction and projection presented themselves, in the form of dealing with the outdoors and the extra walking involved due to the wider acting area. The actors weren’t miked, relying on their voice production training.

Although this production is an adult play, it’s still the production of the youth theatre group. Most of the cast is still considered to be “youth” with ages ranging from as young as thirteen up to late teen and adulthood. Under the superb direction of Carl Lawton, the well-disciplined cast of mixed ages, theatre skills and experience showed their dedication to being an ensemble.

Accomplished actor Anne Blythe-Cooper gave a warm, sympathetic performance (Mrs Bennet) and newcomer Barry Purkis (Mr Bennet) was wonderful as the slightly bemused patriarch. Use of narrator Bethany Jury (Jane Austen) was a good touch. Naarah Barnes (Lizzie Bennet) and Emmalise Smith (Jane Bennet) had lovely voices and excellent stage presence. Joshua Sproule made a good job of the hero (Fizwilliam Darcy). Costumes were suitable for the period - the men’s costumes and uniforms were impeccable – I especially liked the way that the military uniforms, even on the very young cast members, were able to convey authority and dignity. The ensemble aspect of this production was its strength – well done to all.   

Merlene Abbott