Review: Pride and Prejudice at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Words and photos: Angela Ferguson

A trip to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre always provides a welcome escape for us and this year was no exception.

We went along to watch Pride and Prejudice in the glorious surroundings of the city’s lush leafy park.

The talented cast and crew have produced a masterpiece of summer theatre, with absolutely enchanting music to help immerse the audience in the life of the characters created by Jane Austen.

The play, adapted for the stage by actor and playwright Deborah McAndrew, tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her family and acquaintances as they navigate societal expectations around the early 19th century.

She has weaved in a few local mentions along the way which prompt chuckles from the audience.

Director, Conrad Nelson has had a lot of fun bringing this to life in the park, with some creative use of props and brilliantly entertaining moments of audience interactivity.

It can’t always be easy performing in the open air, where squawking crows and cooing wood pigeons can be heard from time to time, alongside the occasional clanging of church bells and even sirens.

Elizabeth Bennet (Alyce Liburd) is our literary heroine, beckoning us into her world to see some of the absurdities she and her family face.

There are comic moments aplenty, with a highlight for us being Lizzie’s awkward suitor Mr Collins attempting to woo her with his fancy dancing.

The clergyman, played to superb comic effect by Ethan Reid, brings to mind Austin Powers with just a dash of Regency va-va-voom.

Reid also plays the dashing Mr Darcy, proving just how versatile he is. He and the rest of the cast and crew work their socks off throughout the performance, with the audience lapping up the spectacle unfolding before them.

The cast can turn their hand to dancing, singing in stunning harmonies and playing an array of musical instruments ranging from the piano and flute to the violin and accordion.

We loved the use of period music to add to the feeling of stepping back to that period of time, courtesy of musical director, Rebekah Hughes.

The whole park felt magical, from the moment we stepped through the gates and strolled past cottage garden-esque flower beds to the familiar sights and sounds of the theatre and the marquees offering drinks and food.

As ever, it’s lovely to see the audience tucking into either homemade picnics or delicious-looking wood-fired pizzas bought at the theatre.

And it wouldn’t be summer without the sound of a few corks popping as people enjoyed a glass of fizz.

Thanks to Storyhouse for the invitation to attend the press night of Pride and Prejudice and for the warm welcome we received from the team, including the many volunteers who make this popular summer event possible.

It’s an enchanting and magical five stars from us.

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