So famous are Jane Austen’s novels that the title of this new play hardly needs to be explained. Yes, this Mr Bennet is the father of the famous Bennet sisters in “Pride and Prejudice”. What is surprising is that this is a world premiere. The five siblings of the novel have inspired many sequels. Several adaptations of the novel are continually produced with varying degrees of success. The colourful and rather obnoxious character of Mrs Bennet has been portrayed by many great actresses from Alison Steadman to Sally Phillips, who played her in an adaptation titled “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.” But whilst we all enjoy the awfulness of this dubious matriarch, nobody has thought to tackle the subject of how the reclusive Mr Bennet came to marry her in the first place. Until writer Emma Wood decided to trace events back to the young James Bennet and the young Emily Gardiner – 25 years in fact before the novel starts.

And what rich pickings are discovered. The writing cleverly shadows that of Jane Austen herself with the same seamless wit and satire and social comment. The story that unfolds is utterly convincing and believable. Aided and abetted by the superb portrayals of the characters by a talented cast and, of course, the confident and precise direction of Claire Evans. The style is elegant and engaging.

The young James Bennet is played by Gwithian Evans with an appealing young, sulky detached air. Who could resist the careless demeanour and curly mop of hair of this young heir to a fortune? Certainly not the spirited Emily Gardiner, energetically portrayed by Maddie Crofts. Although the young James has no wish to be married, he may change his mind when faced with such candour emanating from such a pretty face. “I just like girls to be pretty or honest” he states ingenuously. He has the idea of marriage thrust upon him by his aunt and father, who reveal he could lose his fortune if he remains single.  From the moment Genevieve Allenbury, as Aunt Mary Ellingworth, steps on stage, in a glorious vibrant green dress, we feel  in safe hands. Her presence is confident and commanding. But the show stealer is Philip Voyzey as the cousin, Benedict Collins. His detailed rendition of this rather unpleasant man is hilarious and well observed. His talent is further illustrated by doubling as Emily’s father, George Gardiner.

A sparse set clearly and simply paints the Bennet’s world in purples and blues; and then the Gardiner’s world in warmer tones of yellow and orange. With fabulously authentic costumes that depict the Regency period, the cast brings this world to a colourful life. They slickly carry us along on the journey to the inevitable conclusion. There is a deliciously dramatic moment when James Bennet reveals the results of his secret courtship. The resulting conflicting emotions and reactions of the cast are a joy to behold. And as much as we know what is in store for the young lovers, we can’t help but share the pleasure and excitement of the Gardiners at the match.

And yes, reader, they do get married. And in a superb quick conclusion, they show us what happens next. Although there is to be no ‘happily ever after’ ending for the mismatched, newly wedded Bennets, we can’t help but leave the auditorium with happy smiles etched on our faces. You will never look at Mr and Mrs Bennet in quite the same light again. 

Four Stars.

Reviewed by Linnie Reedman.

CAST in order of appearance

Sarah-Jane Worrall-Mrs Graves/Sarah Gardiner

Genevieve Allenbury-Mrs. Ellingworth, Robert Bennet’s sister

Andrew Williams-Robert Bennet

Gwithian Evans-James Bennet

Philip Voyzey-George Gardiner/Benedict Collins

Maddie Crofts-Emily Gardiner

PRODUCTION

Jane Huckle-Costume.

Claire Evans-Producer and Director

David Fitzhugh-Set Design and Construction

Marta Fossati-Lighting Design and Technical DSM

Composer-Delilah Ferry-Swainson

Graphic Artist-Yuchu Zhao

Marketing Photographer-Jonathan Constant