FOUR STARS

‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that an Oxford College garden in summer must be in want of a play.” So says director Simon Tavener in his programme notes, in an adaptation of one of the most famous lines from Pride and Prejudice. It is also a truth universally acknowledged that such occasions are in need of some decent weather, and happily the opening night of this Jane Austen classic, adapted for the stage by Peter Kenvyn Jones, was gloriously warm and sunny.

The OTG has a reputation for the high standard of its productions, and this one is no exception. From the moment the stage starts filling up with the flawed but lovable Bennet family, there is an immediate sense of joy as the actors bring their characters to life with sparkle and affection, and with an intelligent realisation of Austen’s delicate humour. The acting is so good it’s hard to believe these are not professional performers.

Helen Taylor is delightful as the irrepressible Mrs Bennet, raising a laugh with almost every line she speaks. Colin Currie impresses too as her long-suffering husband. The five Bennet daughters are also perfectly cast, from Sarah Pyper’s wonderfully comic Mary (her ‘singing’ in the first half is one of the funniest moments of the play), Cate Field’s delicate Jane and Laurence Goodwin’s spirited Elizabeth to the youthful silliness of Amy Bilton’s Kitty and Fiona McIntyre’s Lydia.

The contrasting character of Adam Potterton’s Mr Darcy is well drawn, and his calm aloofness is antidote to the almost hysterical antics of the Bennet family. Among the other parts, I particularly liked Layla Al-Katib’s Caroline Bingley — a glorious study of female bitchiness,early 19th-century style.

The authentic costumes and simple but effective set add to the joy, and it is wonderful to see these characters being brought so perfectly to life in such a lovely, quintessentially English setting. Jane Austen, you feel, would heartily approve.

 

Trinity College, Oxford
Until July 20
Tickets: 01865 305305
or ticketsoxford.com