This summer we welcome Illyria once again to our unique outdoor venue with their wonderful and witty alfresco production of Pride & Prejudice.
Adapted by Oliver Gray from Jane Austen’s novel, Pride & Prejudice is the original – and best – romcom. Independent-minded Lizzy finds disdainful Mr Darcy detestable! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together? Hi-jinks ensue.
With her tongue firmly in her cheek, Jane Austen tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Mrs Bennet certainly thinks so. So when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome, and with £5000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him during rural Hertfordshire’s whirlwind of social balls. But even Mrs Bennet draws the line at Mr Bingley’s disdainful friend Mr Darcy despite his whopping £10,000 a year. Thank heavens Lizzy, her second daughter, finds him detestable too! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together?
Award-winning theatre company Illyria returns to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in sparkling style.
If you joined us last year for Illyria’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you’ll appreciate just how special these open-air shows are. We’re particularly blessed here at St Mary’s as our Glebe performance space not only offers a quiet and sheltered spot for picnic and a show but also provides an unparalleled vantage point from which to admire Ruskin’s View.
***The show starts at 6PM but gates open at 5PM for picnicking – it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday, as afternoon melts into evening and you wander home in the fading light.***
Bring a folding chair or blanket as well as a picnic – and please dress for the weather. Last year we had a lovely sunny evening so suncream, sun hats and insect repellent were the order of the day, but you might need a fleece and a cagoule!
Tickets are limited and last year people travelled from a distance to see Illyria’s performance. This year, Keswick, Keighley and Brampton are the next nearest locations to us, so we’re anticipating high demand. Please book soon so we can organise stewarding