Cast announced for all-female retelling of Pride and Prejudice coming to Chelmsford

The cast has been revealed for the upcoming UK tour of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), which arrives at Chelmsford Theatre this autumn. The all-female bold reimagining of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story comes to Chelmsford from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 October. With tickets selling fast, audiences are encouraged to book their seats now for the Olivier Award-winning comedy.

All-female adaptation retells classic love story for modern-day audiences 

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is widely considered one of the best-loved literary classics. With multiple TV and film adaptations, it has been reimagined many times over the years, but this latest musical retelling from Evening Standard Award-winning writer and director, Isobel McArthur, is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve seen before.

With an all-female cast, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) sees five young servants dressed in Georgian petticoats, marigolds and Doc Martens retell the classic love story with wit, parody and even karaoke!

The fresh comedic adaptation filters the 19th-century novel through a 21st-century lens, exploring themes of sexism, class and relationships.

Fans of Austen’s beloved book need not worry though, the production remains true to the story itself, with the title’s ‘(*sort of)’ referring to the way in which the story is told.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) uses music and specifically karaoke to bring the Regency-era story to modern-day audiences. Mixing Austen’s classic novel with pop hits such as Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain (obviously one for Mr Darcy!) and Bonnie Tyler’s Holding out for a Hero, forms an important part of the show’s modern-day retelling.

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, is looking forward to welcoming the West-End hit this autumn:

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“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) to Chelmsford this year. Through the genius tools of karaoke and comedy, this innovative show doesn’t just entertain audiences, it pulls them in and involves them, and demonstrates that Jane Austen can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of whether you know the book inside out or if you’ve never encountered it before.

“Such productions are really important to Chelmsford Theatre’s growth; helping us to engage more diverse audiences, especially those who may have felt in the past that theatre isn’t for them. We’re really excited to see audiences enjoying the show later this year.”

Rhys Thomas, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre

Cast announced for latest tour

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) first appeared at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre in 2018 and has since completed a UK tour and appeared in the West End. This latest production is directed by its writer, Isobel McArthur, and co-produced by David Pugh & Cunard and Newcastle Theatre Royal. The tour commences in Newcastle from 19 September 2024 and travels across the length and breadth of the UK, featuring at 18 venues including Chelmsford Theatre, before ending in Southampton in June 2025.

The all-female cast for the 2024–25 tour has now been announced. It includes Emma Rose Creaner (Peter Pan at the Gate Theatre, Dublin) from Cork playing Tillie, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley; Eleanor Kane (Hex at the National Theatre) from Glasgow playing Anne, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet and Mr Gardiner; and Rhianna McGreevy (The Winter’s Tale at Shakespeare’s Globe) from Brighton as Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. There’s also Naomi Preston Low (The Wind and The Rain at the Finborough Theatre) from Ilford playing Effie and Elizabeth Bennet; and Christine Steel (A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Scottish National Orchestra) from Glasgow playing Clara, Jane Bennet, and Lady Catherine de Burgh. Also joining the company are Isobel Donkin from Washington, Tyne and Wear; Susie Barrett from Newcastle, via Portsmouth; and Georgia Firth from Frodsham.

Book your tickets now

Tickets for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) at Chelmsford Theatre are available to book at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk. A captioned performance takes place on Wednesday 9 October at 2.30pm.

For those looking to make their visit extra special, a traditional afternoon tea is available to enjoy at Chelmsford Theatre café before the matinee performances on Wednesday 9 and Saturday 12 October. These are available to book online when purchasing your tickets.

Find out more at https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/pride-and-prejudice-sort-of/.