Oxford's Trinity Gardens to Present PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, July 9-20

By: Tyler Peterson Jun. 24, 2013

From July 9th to 20th 2013 evenings at Trinity Gardens will take a turn for the Regency as Oxford Theatre Guild (OTG) bring Jane Austen's most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice, to the stage. Celebrating 200 years in publication this year Peter Kenvyn Jones' adaptation of Britain's favourite novel loses nothing of the wit, charm and characterisation that have made it such a beguiling story for so many people.

Drawing the audience into the small Hampshire village of Meryton, this summer evening of outdoor theatre commences as the lives of the five Bennet sisters and their eccentric mama are thrown into uproar by the arrival of a regiment of soldiers and not one, but two, single men of large fortune. Peopled with utterly engaging characters like the abominable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the obsequious Mr Collins and the waspish Caroline Bingley, OTG's production of Pride and Prejudice will remind Austen fans why they fell in love with the book and provide a joyous evenings entertainment to those who aren't fans yet.

Laurence Goodwin, who takes on the role of the bold heroine Elizabeth Bennet, commented, "I've read Pride and Prejudice several times and the role of Lizzie is certainly a lot to take on in terms of audience expectations and amount of time on stage. But it's a very enjoyable role as an actor because she has an absolute insistence on being independent, which I think really resonates with modern audiences. Being part of a large, friendly, talented cast has made all the difference. Everyone in the show is well cast and I feel as if I have a lot of support from everyone else on stage."

When asked about the challenge of a character who Austen herself described as "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print" Goodwin responded "I love playing Elizabeth and I'm aiming to portray her every bit as feisty as Austen intended her to be. I think it's her vivacity and her refusal to do what is expected of her unless it's what will constitute her own happiness, as she puts it, which makes her such a delightful character to read about and to perform."

Stepping into the another iconic role, Adam Potterton, who is taking up the mantle of Mr Darcy, commented, "There is a great deal of pressure to deliver, people seem to have a very defined image of Darcy in their minds, mainly I think down to Colin Firth's portrayal. As a cast we are doing all we can to portray the characters as faithfully as possible to the book, whilst bringing our own individual colour, depth and nuance. I am trying to find my own interpretation of Darcy while staying true the book, rather than try to mimic previous depictions. The crucial element is the chemistry and tension between Darcy and Elizabeth; it is clear he contains a lot of bridled passion and desire, waiting to be unleashed but only when he is sure it is right to do so."

"I have been practicing my 'smouldering looks' constantly," concludes Potterton, "it's earned me some very strange looks in return, particularly from work colleagues and people in shops."

Simon Tavener's last directorial outing with OTG for 2011s Humble Boy was critically acclaimed for it's characterisation and comedic timing and he hopes to renew those achievements by creating a fast-paced performance with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Tavener commented, "Over the years so many people have fallen in love with Austen's stories and the people in her books. I feel very privileged to be part of bringing Pride and Prejudice to life on the Oxford stage.

"I chose Peter Kenvyn Jones' adaptation, in part, because it is very faithful to Austen's original, and allows our cast to connect directly with the characters as well as creating a wonderful showcase for the talented female members of the Guild. "

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen adapted for the stage by Peter Kenvyn Jones will be performed from 9th to 20th July at 8.00pm in Trinity College Gardens, Oxford with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday 13th July. Tickets are £15 or £12 for concessions (£12 and £9 respectively for the matinee) and available to purchase from www.ticketsoxford.com or by phoning 01865 305305. Group bookings are available at a discounted rate by contactingdavid.long@oxfordtheatreguild.com.

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