"Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)". By Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

I first saw this show last March and thought it was an absolute hoot, and still do,  so I'm really pleased it's back doing the rounds again.

The plot follows the Austen novel, in a contemporary setting with modern, and fruity language. The all-female cast play multiple characters, both servants and gentry, re-telling the novel's events through the servants' eyes while also performing well-chosen karaoke songs at pivotal moments.

 It’s the 1800s.  It’s party time.  Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.

 Emma Rose Creaner plays Tillie, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley.

Eleanor Kane plays Anne, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet and Mr Gardiner. 

Rhianna McGreevy as Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. 

Naomi Preston Low as Effie and Elizabeth Bennet. 

Christine Steel as Clara, Jane Bennet, and Lady Catherine de Burgh. 

Also joining the company are Isobel Donkin, Susie Barrett and Georgia Firth.

This is a new cast from last year's production, and just as funny (probably more so). It's fast moving, the comedy is incredibly well timed and you can tell that these women really enjoy working together because the chemistry is electric. And for anyone, like me, who love accents, these ladies provide them in abundance, and naturally.

Directed by the play's author, Isobel McArthur. Associate Director is Martin Leonard, Assistant Director is Finlay Glen. They have created a comic masterpiece from a romantic classic, beloved by so many. Not only was the whole stage used, but even entrances through the auditorium in to the stage, as well as audience participation as the cast constantly smash that fourth wall, creating a lovely, warm connection with their audience.

Set design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, a multi levelled set incorporating a sweeping staircase which is purely majestic. Classy set with modern touches, and look out for the in jokes with some of the props.

Lighting by Colin Grenfell, and keep an eye on the backdrop because the lighting design for the backdrop alone is rather special. There are also some quick blackouts which pave the way for some very quick changes on stage for the cast members.

Musical supervision by Michael John McCarthy, combining karaoke with musical intervention using real instruments, played by several cast members. What versatility! The vocals from the cast are the kind of style that you'd expect from a better than average karaoke night, and I get the feeling that they are all playing down their vocal abilities to give the feeling of a karaoke session with the girls.

Sound design by Michael John McCarthy and Dylan Saberton, Sound Operator is Shannon James.

Choreography by Emily Jane Boyle. There's a lot of dancing in here, most of it typical of what you'd see on the dancefloor at the recently re-opened Nottingham Palais (other nightclubs are available) by a group of hen night members. This in itself provides many comic moments with the moves that are bust. It really is great fun.

Costume Supervisor is Morag Pirrie and wardrobe by Rod Bicknell. The props and costume managers earn their money with these prop management and costume changes, which at times are as fast as lightning.  

If an evening out partly extracting the urine from a classic piece of literature with some classic karaoke songs like "Holding Out For A Hero", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", "Dedicated To The One I Love", "Every Day I Write The Book", "You're So Vain", "Lady In Red" and "Young Hearts Run Free", then this show is for you. It was definitely for me because I loved it to bits.

If you're in need of  being cheered up, or just want a good night out with the girls (or lads), this is the ideal evening out for you. These ladies, and this show, need to be prescribed for anyone feeling a bit low, or bored of the run of the mill entertainment. Who once said that "laughter is the best medicine"? It may not have been Jane Austen but she sure helps out in this instance. Go see this show; you will not regret it!

"Pride & Prejudice * (*sort of)" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 26 October.