Casting announced for Chelmsford Theatre co-production of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)
Casting has been announced for the new national tour of the multi-award-winning West End sensation Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of). The latest production of this popular show is presented by the esteemed and award-winning producer, David Pugh, and co-produced by Chelmsford Theatre.
Irreverent Pride & Prejudice retelling fuels ongoing ‘Austen-mania’
Written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) has proven to be one of the most successful touring productions ever. The show is set to return to Chelmsford Theatre this September, where it will officially launch its second UK tour.
Men, money and microphones are fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. Featuring an all-female cast, the regency-era comedy sees five young servants dressed in Georgian petticoats, marigolds and Doc Martens retell the classic love story with wit, parody and even karaoke! The show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
McArthur’s re-telling of Pride & Prejudice joins a string of recent and upcoming Austen adaptations. New TV and film productions inspired by the author’s beloved novels include the BBC’s recent The Other Bennet Sister, Netflix’s upcoming Pride & Prejudice series and a new film adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. With Austen fever at a high pitch, Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) offers a unique, funny and audacious refresh of this much-loved classic.
Casting revealed for latest UK tour
As Chelmsford Theatre prepares to welcome the production for rehearsals, the all-female cast for the 2026–27 tour has now been announced. It includes Cheshire girl Georgia Firth, who returns to the cast, this time in the role of Elizabeth Bennet. Eva Hope from Watford will play Jane Bennet, and Lady Catherine de Burgh; while Yorkshire lass, Beverley Roxanne Morgan, will take on the roles of Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet and Mr Gardiner. From Glasgow, Julia Murray is Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy; and from London, Phoebe Marshall, will play Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley. Also joining the company as covers will be Emily Cruz, Grace Farrell and Anastasia Sims-Chin.
This new production will be directed by Isobel McArthur, who has won both the Olivier Award and Evening Standard Theatre Award.
A Chelmsford Theatre co-production
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is Chelmsford Theatre’s first co-production in recent years. After opening in Chelmsford, it will embark on an eight-month tour visiting venues across the UK, including Liverpool, Belfast, Edinburgh and Blackpool.
Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, said:
““This hugely exciting collaboration with the renowned David Pugh is a brilliant moment for Chelmsford Theatre. Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is a simply marvellous show that charmed our audiences when it first came to Chelmsford in 2024. Now, we’re thrilled to be getting ready to open its latest national tour with a stellar new cast set to grace Chelmsford Theatre’s main stage.”
Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director
Producer, David Pugh, said:
““Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) has become one of the world's biggest successes, from touring to Canada to just triumphantly opening in Australia and I'm delighted that this new production, which will tour the United Kingdom for the next year, is opening at the Chelmsford Theatre.”
Producer, David Pugh
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) opens at Chelmsford Theatre on Friday 11 September 2026 and runs until Saturday 19 September. Tickets are available at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/pride-prejudice-sort-of.
