So I like listening to audiobooks when I get ready in the morning, drive to work, clean, etc. I was searching through Overdrive’s online system (a free program provided by the library) and spotted this one. As I love Pride and Prejudice, I couldn’t resist and borrowed it.
However when I started listening to it I found out that this isn’t an audiobook, but is an audio adaption of a theater production of Pride and Prejudice, recorded in front of a live audience.
The cast is small, but just perfect for this. We have the following:
- Directed by Brian Kite
- Diane Adair as Narrator/Kitty/Mrs. Gardner
- Jane Carr as Mrs. Bennet/Lady Catherine
- Chloe Dworkin as Jane Bennet/Charlotte Lucas
- Nicholas Hormann as Mr. Bennet/Sir William
- Julia McIlvaine as Elizabeth Bennet
- Cerris Morgan-Moyer as Lydia Bennet
- Jill Renner as Mary Bennet/Others
- Darren Richardson as Mr. Bingley/Mr. Collins
- Nick Toren as Mr. Darcy
I really enjoyed this production as it was a lot of fun and extremely comedic, I was laughing so hard. For me the one that stole this entire show was Mrs. Bennet, her timing and spirit were spot on. I loved it. Jane Carr you were just wonderful!
Like when I listened to Northanger Abbey, read by Anna Massey, this did have me look at something of Pride and Prejudice in a new light. This was an abridged version of course, so events take place sooner then they would, but this adaption got me thinking about the motive behind Elizabeth’s muddy walk. In this adaption Elizabeth overhears Mr. Darcy say she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt him and is really upset. Afterwards, Jane goes to visit the Bingleys and gets sick with Elizabeth strolling to see her sister and walking through the mud.
I always thought her mud walking was just her in a hurry to see her sister, not paying as close attention, or caring if she walked in mud or not as she was worried about Jane. BUT what if that was only part of the reason. I mean she knows that Mr. Darcy is going to be at Netherfield, and the last time she saw him he called her not attractive. Do you think that she partly walked in that mud to show Darcy, that if he is going to consider her only tolerable then she’ll really show him what tolerable is.
I totally believe her wanting to see her sister is the prime motivation for Elizabeth, but do you think a small part of her was trying to shove the country in his face? Like if this is how they view those from the country, if he finds me not handsome, then I’ll really show him. Like when people insult that you about being too much of something so you go overboard about it? Like just a little part of her did it on purpose, maybe even just a subconscious part thought that coming in disheveled and dirty was a way to kind of prove to Mr. Darcy his words didn’t affect her, a kind of “forget you” move? I think so.
And to me what makes it even more enjoyable is at that moment Darcy doesn’t see the mud or dishevelment but is thinking about how beautiful she is.
If you have an opportunity to check out this audio adaptation, it is well worth a listen as it is extremely enjoyable.
For more Pride and Prejudice, go to I Was Asked to Be a Guest on the Podcast P.S. I Love Rom Coms + My Review of their Bridget Jones’ Diary Episode
For more Pride and Prejudice adaptions, go to Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl Audiobook
For more audiobooks, go to Northanger Abbey Audiobook Narrated by Anna Massey
For more Jane Austen adaptions, go to Incense and Sensibility
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