The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and partners present Tron Theatre Company and Blood of the Young’s Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen Directed by Paul Brotherston A co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Northern Stage, Nuffield Southampton Theatres and Oxford Playhouse

This is an adaptation like no other. Drawing on over two-hundred years of romantic pop history is Blood of the Young’s unique take on a beloved novel – the hugely acclaimed Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of).

Six young women have a story to tell. You might have seen them, emptying the chamber pots and sweeping ash from the grate – the overlooked and the undervalued making sure those above stairs find their happy ending. Of course, they’ve always been running the show – after all ‘You can’t have a whirlwind romance without clean bedding’ – but tonight, the servants are also playing every part.

Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this loving and irreverent all-female adaptation of Jane Austen’s unrivalled literary classic. Let the ruthless match-making begin.

Speaking of the production, Writer-Performer, Isobel McArthur, said: “I think Jane Austen has a particular genius for identifying The Ridiculous in her fellow human being. She quietly highlights the unfairness and absurdity of the world she was living in, all the while skilfully entertaining us with flawed, complex and funny characters who feel so real we’re sure they’re based on our own friends and family members.

“This adaptation sees a cast of servants multi-role-ing to tell the story of Pride and Prejudice and – in the spirit of Austen – has much to say, but never at the expense of spinning a great yarn with gags a-plenty and, of course, karaoke. But to hell with that – audiences don’t need to have even heard of Jane Austen or her novels. This show is simply for anyone who enjoys a great night out full of colour, music and laughter. I’d encourage anybody put off by the associated stuffiness or frilly corsetry of the Austen legacy to give this a go – and I’d tell those who love Austen not to worry because we do, too. This is a deeply affectionate re-telling of her brilliant, enduring story.”

The Tron’s Artistic Director, Andy Arnold said: “Blood of the Young are perfect ambassadors for the ingenuity, energy and whip-smart stagecraft that defines this generation of Glasgow theatre-makers. We’re incredibly thankful to our partners at the Lyceum for taking up the baton and ensuring that UK audiences get to marvel at this definitive* (*sort of) take on the original rom-com.”

The Lyceum’s Artistic Director, David Greig, said: “Blood of the Young are a brilliant young voice of Scottish Theatre, and their below-stairs take on Pride and Prejudice is a pitch-perfect blend of reverent homage and mischievous send up. I could not be more delighted to be working with them to bring this show to The Lyceum stage, and out to our partners across the UK.”

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)
Written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen
Directed by Paul Brotherston
Design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita
Lighting Design by Simon Hayes
Sound Design by MJ McCarthy
Movement Directed by Emily-Jane Boyle
Dramaturgy by Johnny McKnight

Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
Address:
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AX
Box Office:
0131 248 4848 / boxoffice@lyceum.org.uk
Group Bookings: 0131 248 4949
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Website:
lyceum.org.uk 

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.