Riotous reimagining of Jane Austen classic arrives at Chelmsford Theatre

The much-anticipated West End production Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) has arrived at Chelmsford Theatre. The six-night run opened at the theatre last night (7 October) with a packed auditorium, including the Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Susan Sullivan, in attendance.

To celebrate the arrival of this unique production, the opening night featured a special live performance by Suffolk-based Scintillo String Quartet in the theatre foyer. In keeping with the production’s music track of pop classics, the elegant quartet performed classical covers of modern-day chart hits including Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift, Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, and ABBA’s Mamma Mia.

The first night of the Chelmsford run saw superb performances from the all-female cast, who received rapturous applause throughout the evening.

A unique and audacious retelling of Austen’s beloved tale

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is an audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.

The comedic adaptation sees five young servants dressed in Georgian petticoats, marigolds and Doc Martens retell the classic novel, playing the roles of Mr Darcy, Ms Bennet and a host of other characters.

The show uses karaoke pop hits, including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain, to bring the Regency-era story to modern-day audiences.

Bringing renowned productions to Chelmsford

Directed by Evening Standard Theatre Awards winner Isobel McArthur, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) won a coveted Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2022 and has received rave five-star reviews from critics including the Daily Telegraph and The Scotsman.

It’s just the latest in a string of high-profile West End productions to come to Chelmsford Theatre recently. In summer 2023, the theatre hosted the world-famous Blood Brothers and Agatha Christie’s historically long-running play, The Mousetrap.

Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says this latest, highly anticipated West End production delivered a spectacular performance on opening night:

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“We’ve been excited to welcome the touring production of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) to Chelmsford Theatre this month and last night it did not disappoint. The cast delivered a bold and hilarious show on the opening night of the Chelmsford leg of their tour, and it was such a joy for me to see our local theatre thriving and busy as we welcomed this unique West End show.”

Rhys Thomas, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre

Tickets still available for Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) and more exciting upcoming shows

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) runs at Chelmsford Theatre until Saturday 12 October, with limited tickets remaining for some performances.

There is an exciting programme of events coming up at the theatre, including the recently announced smash-hit production Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, which comes to Chelmsford in 2025. With Christmas coming up, tickets are also selling fast for this year’s panto – a reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Snow White.

Find out what else is on in 2024 and 2025 on the Chelmsford Theatre website.