Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) has opened at Newcastle Theatre Royal and runs until Saturday 28 September, before embarking upon a nationwide 35-date tour.

In February this year, Newcastle Theatre Royal announced its first co-production for more than a decade, teaming up with multiple Oliver and Tony Award winning producer David Pugh and Cunard for a unique retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, written and directed by Isobel McArthur.

Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “As one of the flagship cultural venues in the region, we are delighted to be collaborating with critically acclaimed West End producer David Pugh and Oliver and Evening Award winner Isobel McArthur – one of the most vibrant and exhilarating writing talents in the industry – to launch this fresh, funny and witty comedy drama here in the North East prior to an extensive nationwide tour.”

In this version, the classic tale Pride & Prejudice is set to a karaoke soundtrack featuring a string of pop classics including ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ and ‘You’re So Vain’.

Newcastle-based actress Susie Barrett will be making her Newcastle Theatre Royal debut when she steps into the leading roles of Mary and Lydia Bennet.

Susie said: “I am so excited but scared and full of nerves to play the dream roles of Mary and Lydia Bennet in this West End production; to have my family and friends in the audience seeing me, it’s a dream come true.”

“Told by the female servants, this adaptation is in the spirit of Jane Austen herself and the way she writes but you don’t have to be a fan of her or her novels to enjoy this production – it’s funny, feminist and packed with humorous moments and I just know that North East audiences are going to love it!”

The all-female cast also includes Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low, Christine Steel, Georgia First as well as another local talent, Isobel Donkin from Washington, Tyne and Wear.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sat 28 Sep 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.