Shakespeare North dates for reimagined Pride and Prejudice

A new take on Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice is coming to Shakespeare North Playhouse next month.

The Imaginarium Ensemble will stage the work in the Prescot venue’s Cockpit Theatre from February 7-10.

Written by Rob Brannen and produced and directed by Gaynor La Rocca, the production – being described as a ‘rollicking musical re-telling’ - will feature 20 community actors.

It takes Austen’s much-loved tale and presents it through the prism of a local community’s present day lives and circumstances.

The Bennet family are feeling the financial pinch of the cost-of-living crisis. None of their five daughters can afford to leave home. Mrs Bennet is in despair that there is no sign of any of them flying the nest, and for daughter Lizzy a partner is the last thing she wants.

Meanwhile, the big house on the edge of their impoverished town that has been empty for years suddenly becomes occupied by the well-off Mr Bingley, who brings with him his best friend, the handsome but stuck-up Mr Darcy.

Prescot-based Imaginarium theatre is an associate company of Shakespeare North Playhouse, and this new production is supported by Arts Council England.

Pride and Prejudice is at Shakespeare North Playhouse from February 7-10. Tickets HERE