It is a truth universally acknowledged that no era can resist the pull of Jane Austen — and Wren Theatre's latest production of Pride and Prejudice proves the point with considerable flair. Sesaya Arts Magazine has taken notice, offering a review that signals something rather larger in scope and ambition than audiences might typically expect from a regional stage adaptation.
Wren Theatre, it seems, has chosen not to play it safe. Rather than offering a polite, drawing-room rendering of Austen's beloved novel, the company has apparently swung for the rafters — bringing a scale and creative daring to Elizabeth Bennet's world that invites both longtime devotees and curious newcomers to see the story with fresh eyes.
Such ambition is always welcome when it comes to Austen adaptations. The challenge, of course, lies in honouring the wit and emotional precision of the source material while making it sing for a modern audience. From all indications, Wren Theatre has risen to that challenge in earnest.
For those of us who never tire of watching Mr. Darcy's pride crumble and Elizabeth's prejudices dissolve, news of a boldly mounted production is cause for quiet celebration. Whether you are a seasoned Janeite or simply Austen-curious, this sounds very much like a production worth seeking out.