This is the World professional Premiere of Mr Bennet’s Bride, a prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Emma Wood. Claire Evans, director and producer, returns to OSO after successful productions of Absent Friends, Codpieces, Handbagged, Taking Steps and Bobby and Amy. The production opens on Wednesday 11 November at 7.30 pm at OSO in Barnes.
This cleverly layered comedy explores the vexing question of how the ill-suited parents of Elizabeth Bennet, portrayed with such humour in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, came to be married to each other in the first place.
Review by D. C. Jackson.
There is something wonderfully comforting about returning to the world of Jane Austen, particularly when a production embraces the wit, charm and social observations that have made her work so enduring. Mr Bennet’s Bride at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes offers just that, with an affectionate nod to Austen’s literary world and the much-loved 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
One of the production’s greatest strengths is undoubtedly its ensemble cast, who are wonderful throughout. Andrew Williams and Genevieve Allenbury, playing Robert Bennet and Mary Ellingworth, have a particularly lovely sibling chemistry. Their relationship feels natural and effortless, bringing warmth and authenticity to their scenes together.
Phillip Voyzey, double-cast as George Gardiner and Benedict Collins, is an absolute scene-stealer. He brings such a wonderful presence to both roles, with an excellent sense of comic timing and a real ability to command the stage. Sarah-Jane Worall is equally impressive in her dual roles as Mrs Graves and Sarah Gardiner, demonstrating great versatility between the two characters.
Maddie Crofts, as Emily Gardiner, was a particular highlight for me. Watching her felt rather like seeing a younger version of Alison Steadman in her iconic portrayal of Mrs Bennet in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice. She captures that wonderfully expressive, spirited quality that makes Austen’s characters so entertaining. Gwithian Evans also deserves recognition for his portrayal of James Bennet, which I thought was particularly well played.
Visually, the production is equally delightful. David Fitzhugh’s set design is brilliantly crafted, with a clever central screen that flips around to distinguish between the Bennet and Gardiner residences. Using different colour schemes for each household is a simple but highly effective theatrical device, allowing the audience to move between locations without disrupting the flow of the piece. Janet Huckle’s costume design is another triumph, with the costumes fitting the period beautifully and helping to establish the world of the play.
My one real reservation, however, lies with the writing. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the production, I did come away feeling slightly cheated by the limited time devoted to Emily Gardiner and James Bennet. With only around three scenes shared between the pair, I found myself wanting considerably more of their relationship. After all, the production is called Mr Bennet’s Bride, and I wanted to experience the courtship rather than have their engagement effectively sprung upon us in the second act.
The romance is such an important part of the premise that I would have loved to see more of its development: the awkward encounters, the growing affection and the gradual realisation that these two characters might be falling in love. Giving their relationship more room to breathe would, I think, have made the eventual engagement considerably more satisfying and emotionally rewarding.
That said, this is a thoroughly enjoyable production, with a talented ensemble, imaginative design and plenty of affection for its source material. There are lovely little nods to Austen’s writing and, for those of us who hold a particular fondness for the 1995 BBC adaptation, some familiar touches that are guaranteed to raise a smile.
If you are a Jane Austen enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good period comedy filled with charming characters and theatrical wit, Mr Bennet’s Bride is well worth a visit. A delightful evening at the OSO, even if I did leave wanting a little more romance!
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
Claire Evans – Producer and Director
David Fitzhugh – Set Design and Construction
Janet Huckle – Costume
Marta Fossati – Lighting Design and Technical DSM
Composer – Delilah Ferry-Swainson
Graphic Artist – Yuchu Zhao
Marketing Photographer – Jonathan Constant
Miranda Evans – Marketing Videography
Claire Evans Ltd presents the World Premiere.
MR BENNET’S BRIDE
By Emma Wood
Presented by arrangement with Stagescripts
Directed by Claire Evans
Composition by Delilah Ferry-Swainson
This is the World professional Premiere of Mr Bennet’s Bride, a prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Emma Wood. Claire Evans, director and producer, returns to OSO after successful productions of Absent Friends, Codpieces, Handbagged, Taking Steps and Bobby and Amy. The production opens on Wednesday 11 November at 7.30 pm at OSO in Barnes.