REVIEW – PRIDE & PREJUDICE | OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON | 11/06/2025

Pride & Prejudice at Octagon Theatre Bolton – A High-Energy Rom-Com with Regency Flair

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Pride & Prejudice has shaped romantic storytelling for generations. Jane Austen’s beloved novel—brimming with biting wit, societal satire, and slow-burn romance—was the original rom-com blueprint long before the term existed. In Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, brought to the stage at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre under the clever direction of Lotte Wakeham, Austen’s timeless tale receives a cheeky, modern makeover.

With characters you know and love, a sparkling script, and some wonderfully unexpected twists, this fresh take keeps the soul of the classic intact, but isn’t afraid to stir in some classical-style Beyoncé and a good splash of farcical fun. It’s clever, creative, and consistently entertaining.

At its core, Pride & Prejudice is a story about love, family, and finding the courage to go against the grain. Elizabeth Bennet, the whip-smart and strong-willed eldest of four sisters, refuses to settle for anything less than love—even if it means defying her society’s rigid expectations.

Her sparring partner? The famously brooding Mr Darcy, whose initial arrogance masks a deeply honourable nature. As misunderstandings unfold, reputations are questioned, and proposals rejected, Austen’s central message still rings true: first impressions can be misleading, and love rarely follows a straight path.

Hamill’s adaptation reduces the Bennet brood to four sisters, which smartens the focus without losing the essence of their familial chaos. With breakneck pacing and quick-fire humour, this version leans gleefully into its comedy roots—offering something delightfully fresh while staying true to Austen’s emotional arc.

Staged in the round, Louie Whitemore’s design transforms the Octagon into a Regency playground with a modern twist. A single pianoforte sets the tone—both visually and musically—evoking an era of elegance, while versatile stools are whisked around for seamless scene changes. The set is stylish, practical, and full of playful details that transport the audience effortlessly.

Whitemore’s costume work deserves special mention: think empire lines and corseted elegance, each outfit thoughtfully crafted to reflect the characters’ personalities and positions. And then there’s the music—oh, the music! Pop hits are slyly reimagined in elegant classical arrangements, offering a clever musical bridge between Austen’s era and ours. The result is a wink of modern charm that delights the audience without overshadowing the story.

Rosa Hesmondhalgh shines in every sense as Elizabeth Bennet. With razor-sharp comic timing, expressive physicality, and a warmth that wins over the room instantly, she is the undeniable beating heart of this production. Her Lizzy is every inch the Austen heroine: independent, intelligent, and endlessly endearing.

James Sheldon brings a brooding magnetism to Mr Darcy—intense, emotionally stifled, and increasingly likeable as the story progresses. His chemistry with Rosa crackles, and their scenes together are packed with tension, humour, and (eventually) affection.

Joanna Holden is an absolute riot as Mrs Bennet, whirling around the stage (even on crutches!) with delicious desperation and impeccable comedic flair. Jessica Ellis is hilariously chaotic as Lydia and equally formidable as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, while Dyfrig Morris offers a lovely contrast as the quietly exasperated Mr Bennet—and a brilliantly bonkers Anne de Bourgh to boot.

Ben Fensome is a comic chameleon, expertly switching between the pompous Mr Collins and the slippery Mr Wickham, each one played to full comic effect. Eve Pereira pulls double duty as bookish Mary and charming Mr Bingley, proving wonderfully versatile and adding a delightful energy to both roles.

Aamira Challenger’s Jane is sweet and grounded, while Kiara Nicole Pillai impresses as both the sly Caroline Bingley and loyal Charlotte Lucas. With just nine actors covering a whole host of roles, the cast’s ensemble work is slick, confident, and consistently engaging.

The Octagon’s Pride & Prejudice is a fizzy, fast-paced treat—a whirlwind of romance, wit, and laugh-out-loud moments that makes Austen’s world feel unexpectedly modern and relevant. While the tone veers into farce at times, it never loses sight of the love story at its centre.

Packed with brilliant performances, a clever script, and a soundtrack that’ll have you trying to name every reworked hit, this is Austen with a wink and a twirl. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the tale, you’ll find much to love—and you might just leave with a new appreciation for the original rom-com queen.

“A sparklingly modern romp through Regency romance – this Pride & Prejudice is a perfectly punchy crowd-pleaser.”

Pride & Prejudice will be at The Octagon Theatre until Saturday 28th June 2025.

Don’t miss your chance to see this fresh spin on a literary classic—book your tickets now through the link below.

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Photo Credit - Pamela Raith

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.