Giving Austen a hysterical twist for theatre show

The witty and romantic masterpiece is one of the best-loved stories of all time, dealing with the most important questions in life.

Will Mrs Bennett manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time? Will Lizzy and Darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away please?

The Pantaloons are known for their anarchic retellings of classic works of literature having previously put a hilarious spin on Bleak House, Sherlock Holmes and The Canterbury Tales.

“We are known for being somewhat silly,” said writer and director Mark Hayward.

“But we will stay faithful to what it is that people love about the book in the first place. This production will hopefully give Austen fans what they are looking for in a staging of Pride and Prejudice – the romance, the scandals – while at the same time providing a great introduction to those who are new to the story and also interweaving the elements that make a show intrinsically Pantaloony.

“There will be live music, audience interaction, physical performances, and a large dollop of humour, Austen’s original text is full of funny moments – we plan to capitalise on those and add a few of our own.”

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons began life ten years ago as an open-air theatre company, busking plays for donations in parks and on the streets.

The show comes to the RSPB Lodge on Saturday and Sunday with three shows over two days. To book tickets call 01767 680 541.