Queensland Theatre’s latest offering is not just another adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as it is a full-fledged Regency Hot Girl Summer. Co-directors Bridget Boyle and Daniel Evans have boldly taken Austen’s beloved tale and infused it with a modern verve—Jane Austen by way of Chappell Roan’s Feminineominon. And reader, I was enchanted.
This production is as sharp as Lizzie Bennet’s wit, as smouldering as Darcy’s side-eye, and as socially scandalous as a gentleman dancing twice with the same lady at a ball. Capitalising on the Bridgerton craze is a masterstroke—because who among us doesn’t want to see a feminist-forward, flirty, and fun-filled Austen adaptation that turns Regency courtship into high-stakes theatre?
Maddison Burridge is a revelation as Lizzie Bennet—delivering a performance as biting as an 18th-century insult duel yet as warm and charming as a midsummer’s evening at Pemberley. Andrew Hearle’s Mr. Darcy? Be still my rapidly beating heart. He broods, he glowers, and when he finally lets his guard down, the moment is so satisfying it might as well be served with tea and scones. Their chemistry crackles with such intensity that one half expects a duel to break out at any moment—but, alas, decorum prevails.
The supporting cast is equally delightful, proving that no character, however minor, is left without their moment in the sun. The decision to double-cast roles (save for our two leads) is inspired, with actors slipping between characters as smoothly as a well-placed waltz.
Christina Smith’s set is a marvel—seemingly simple, yet brimming with ingenuity. With the flick of a curtain and a shift in lighting, we are whisked from Longbourn to Netherfield to Pemberley with astonishing ease. It is a minimalist dreamscape that allows the imagination to roam freely.
And let’s not forget the score. Guy Webster’s modern, playful compositions elevate the energy, while Nerida Matthaei’s choreography injects the kind of verve that makes this production feel as fresh as a just-published gossip column.
If you’ve yet to procure your ticket, I advise you to act with all the haste of a mother desperate to marry off five daughters before their father’s demise. This show is the talk of the ton, and seats are vanishing faster than Mr. Wickham’s credibility.
Pride and Prejudice runs at the Playhouse, QPAC, until March 9. Tickets are more scarce than eligible bachelors in Meryton (seriously, there were just 15 left for the whole season when this author attended) so do not delay. One does not simply stumble upon an adaptation this delightful every day—so don your finest attire (or at least something vaguely empire-waisted) and prepare to be utterly beguiled.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
