SuffolkNews visits the New Wolsey theatre in Ipswich to review Pride and Prejudice performed by the Guildford Shakespeare Company

‘It is a truth universally acknowledged’ that Pride and Prejudice is a Jane Austen classic and last night three impressive actors brought the story to life in Ipswich.

SuffolkNews reporter Suzanne Day went to watch the unique adaptation of the novel, created by the Guilford Shakespeare Company.

Here is what she thought of the play being performed at the New Wolsey tonight and tomorrow.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice tells the tale of the loveable and eccentric Bennet family.

It is not a simple tale, as the pushy Mrs Bennet tries to find a suitably wealthy husband for one of her five daughters.

The heroine of the piece is Elizabeth, affectionately known as Lizzy, who is intelligent and unafraid of speaking her mind and not really keen on finding a husband.

However, along the way she meets a certain Mr Darcy, who after a lot of harsh words and family drama she eventually sees in a different light.

The aim is that my very brief synopsis gives a rough idea of the plot to anyone who hasn’t read the book or watched an on-screen adaptation.

I hope it indicates what a huge task the trio of actors had ahead of them, playing multiple characters and learning hundreds of lines.

The enigmatic Luke Barton not only played Mr Bennet but also Elizabeth’s love interests Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham.

Barton had the audience laughing as he stepped into the costumes of Lydia, Mr Collins, housekeeper Mrs Reynolds, and the formidable (and very tall) Lady Catherine de Burgh.

Just like his fellow actors, Sarah Gobran and April Hughes, he did not miss a word, a step, or a costume change - the three of them were impressive.

At points, I was left wondering where some of the actors were, before realising they were already on stage acting as another character.

Gobran’s main role was Mrs Bennett, and though at points she understandably began to lose her voice, she did the iconic matriarch justice.

As well as playing a dapper Mr Bingley, Hughes gave a beautiful performance as Elizabeth showcasing all the sides of her famous character.

Though the acting and choreography were very clever it was the comedy moments that made it special for me - the epic encore really brightened up the end of my evening.

But I won’t spoil it for anyone lucky enough to be watching over the coming days.

You can find out what other shows are coming up at the New Wolsey this year - here.

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