The world premiere of the staged adaptation of P.D. James’ best-selling novel Death Comes to Pemberley saw the national press night take place in the shadow of Windsor Castle in Theatre Royal Windsor.

Audiences can step into the world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice six years later in Pemberley. The characters from the author’s novel are in the middle of a murder mystery. The brooding dashing Mr Darcy is played by James Bye who played Mark Fowler in EastEnders and his compassionate wife Elizabeth Darcy (Bennett) played by Jamie-Rose Duke.

Bye fits the iconic image that Mr Darcy has been portrayed to have been over the years and was cemented by Colin Firth’s performance in the 2005 filmed production of Pride and Prejudice.

After the grim discovery is made on the grounds of Pemberley. George Wickham (Sam Woodhams) is the main suspect. Mr Darcy isn’t pleased to see his long-time friend again and is desperate to see him taken away. However, Elizabeth doesn’t agree with her husband and goes against his instructions.

There are no spoiler alerts and fans of the crime writer P.D. James will know the outcome of the murder mystery already. I didn’t as I haven’t read the book. The twists and turns taken to get to the conclusion are played out clearly and there are no loose ends of things left unanswered.

A special mention is deserved for the impressive stage design by Sean Cavanagh from the rolling hills around Pemberley to the jailhouse where Wickham is placed the interchangeable design allows the audience to transport to different locations with minimal stage movements.

The press night saw a major cast change take place and Joe Bence stepped into the role of Henry Alveston taking over from David Osmond. He took centre stage at the end of the performance, encouraged by the rest of the cast for a personal round of applause that he deserved.

For fans of Austen and James Death Comes to Pemberley offers a step back into the world of some of their favourite characters and watching the love story between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett now Darcy develops and extends.

For more information about Death Comes to Pemberley and future productions at Theatre Royal Windsor please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Pamela Raith.

https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/pemberley-25/

https://deathcomestopemberleytour.co.uk/

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For Jane Austen’s Fans.
“Jane Austen spent the final weeks of her life at No. 8 College Street, Winchester, and died there on the 18th July 1817. In the summer of 2025, Winchester College will open the house to the public for the first time, as part of a worldwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth.”

https://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/events/no-8-college-street