The title says it all. Here is a potentially beguiling blend of murder mystery and classic Austen period drama, adapted from P.D.James’ novel. It’s effectively an affectionate pastiche of Pride and Prejudice, courtesy of the Mill at Sonning - the first time they’ve toured a show in their long history, full of intrigue and set a few years after the events of the original book.
OUR VERDICT
Pamela Raith Photography
Elizabeth (Jamie-Rose Duke) and Darcy (Eastenders’ James Bye) are happily married, and life seems comfortable, save for the visit of Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Sarah Berger), who casts caustic asides at all and sundry.
Suddenly, a murder on the Pemberley estate occurs, and with it the incendiary reappearance of the philandering George Wickham (Sam Woodhams), a familiar figure from Pride & Prejudice. Potential cracks appear in the Darcy marriage, and soon Elizabeth is forced to use all her native resourcefulness to discover the true culprit before a potential miscarriage of justice takes place.
The idea is certainly intriguing, and Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff (responsible for The Girl on the Train) have produced a largely diverting show, set in Regency England, the Derbyshire Hills forming a picturesque, rather bucolic backdrop to much of the action, which generally shifts between the Pemberley estate, the Bidwell cottage in its grounds and the local jail.
Pamela Raith photography
Some scenes are more dynamically compelling than others, and the first half is certainly less engaging than the more compelling second act, but the subplot concerning Georgiana Darcy (Celia Cruwys-Finnigan) and her courtship from the dependable Colonel Fitzwilliam (Endeavour’s Sean Rigby) and fellow music-lover Henry Alveston (David Osmond) is engaging.
The decision to put Georgiana at the piano in the spotlight to open and close the show is one of the better ideas, creating a clear sense of period that anchors the production.
Some performances are much stronger than others (Todd Boyce is entertaining as the rather snooty local magistrate), and the difficult, delicate balance between witty comedy (Austen’s natural forte) and murder mystery is a tricky tightrope not always successfully realised.
There are also anachronistic moments - one’s pretty sure that the Darcys wouldn’t have openly declared their love in front of company - but despite these flaws, many will find much to enjoy, not least in revisiting the company of a whole host of beloved characters.
