The Courtyard did not disappoint with their recent production of the Jane Austen classic, Pride & Prejudice, which was a delight, keeping the audience gripped, despite its rather long running time.

Featuring professional actors performing alongside members of The Courtyard Youth Theatre; at times it was difficult to determine who were the professionals, and who were the non-professionals!

Directed by David Durant, in a stage adaptation by Simon Reade, audiences followed the Bennet sisters as they haplessly handle issues of love, manners, morality, education and marriage.

First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has retained a fascination for modern readers, regarded with much study and deliberation, as one of the most popular novels in English literature.

2017 marking the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, this interpretation of the much loved classic was very touching, with definition to each of the characters and a simplistic and charming set.

Professional actors, Tom Gordon, Hannah Douglas, George Telfer and Alison Rose as, correspondingly, Mr Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr and Mrs Bennet.

A stand out was Mr Bennet, whose comic timing and charisma evoked much laughter from the audience, whose touching scene with the spirited Elizabeth, near the close of the play, brought absolute silence to the room.

Elizabeth had a lovely tone of voice, and her clarity and conviction made her relationship with the embarrassed and deep-voiced, handsome and educated, Mr Darcy, all the more believable.

The long-awaited kiss between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth was received with delight and pleasure, also providing a moment of amusement for the audience.

Mrs Bennet’s fixation on securing her daughter’s futures was excellently portrayed, with a substantial amount of lines, and her ‘nervous disposition’ provided much entertainment.

David Durant, Associate Director of The Courtyard, said: “Pride and Prejudice is a classic story with themes and issues which still resonate with audiences today and our Youth Theatre cast members are relishing the challenge of taking on such an iconic period piece.”

Among the non-professional actors, stand out performances included, the funny and sweet Mr Bingley, the handsome and convincing Mr Wickham, the physically flamboyant Mr Collins and the clear, comedic Miss Charlotte Lucas.

Respectively played by Matt Jones, Matthew Lawrence, Harry Williams and Izzy Harrison.

A particular moment of brilliance was when Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy froze behind photo frames that had lowered from the stage ceiling, while an entire scene played out.

The other Bennet sisters were admirable and charming in their characterisation, particularly the excitable Lydia, played by Georgina Sockett.

The kind and sweet-natured Mrs Gardiner, Liz Davis, was appropriately contrasted with the perfectly snobby Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Amanda Watkins, and the antagonising Miss Caroline Bingley, Sophie Griffiths-Rose.

The rest of the supporting cast were excellent in their respective parts, and provided choreographed dancing and fast, efficient set changes that did not distract from the performances.

If you can catch Pride & Prejudice, it runs at The Courtyard until Saturday, October 7th.