Plied and Prejudice

The multi-rolling cast is phenomenal.  The guys Tim Walker and Andrew Macmillan referred to as Masc 1 and 2 and the ladies Brigitte Freeme, Monique Salle and Emma Andreatta referred to as Femme 1, 2 and 3 steal the show. There are no weak links, the actors and their performances genuinely shine infusing their characters with a delightful mix of absurdity and pride. 

The humour that Austen wove into the original novel remains but is injected with Australian cheekiness and charm cleverly enhanced by the physicality, energy and timing of the actors. The performers take the absurdities and run with them, nothing is off bounds and the fact they are having so much fun simply fills the room with joy. 

There are many clever contemporary touches, from Penny Challen’s quick slip-on cartoon-like costumes to her animated backdrops. The author Matthew Semple modernises the dialogue and character interactions, allowing the audience to connect with the material in a new way. Director Dash Kruck certainly had a job on his hands staging this organised chaos but succeeded immensely. You are encouraged right from the very beginning to order drinks and film throughout setting the precedent for a no-rule, let’s have a fun evening and it certainly was that. The actors tear down the fourth wall with so many quirky interactions so the story feels conversational and chaotic though the piece never feels forced or out of place.