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

Nottingham Playhouse.

I first saw this show a few years ago and thought it was an absolute hoot, and still do,  so I'm really pleased it's back doing the rounds again, this time at the Nottingham Playhouse.

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.

Georgia May Firth, Eva Hope, Phoebe Marshall, Roxanne Morgan, Julia MurrayEmile Cruz, Grace Farrell and Anastasia Sims-Chin are the collection of multi talented actors who sing, dance, act and play instruments on stage, As you can imagine, by the length of the Austen novel, the action is very pacy.

 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.

Written and Directed by Isobel McArthur, with Assistant Director being Finlay Glen, they have created a comic masterpiece for the stage from a romantic classic, beloved by so many.  

Set and Costume Designer is Ana Ines Jabares-Pita, a multi levelled set incorporating a sweeping staircase which was purely majestic. Classy set with modern touches, and look out for the in jokes with some of the props. The costumes are fantastic as well.

Lighting Designer is Ryan Joseph Stafford,  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.

Sound Design is by Michael John McCarthy, who is also the Music Supervisor, and Niamh Gaffney for Autograph. They combine karaoke with musical intervention using real instruments, as previously stated, played by several cast members. What versatility! 

Choreographed by Emily jane Boyle, assisted by Tash Holway. There's a lot of dancing in here, most of it typical of what you'd see on the dancefloor at Nottingham's 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.

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", "Dedicated To The One I Love", "Every Day I Write The Book", "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.

So, 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!

Quite possibly one of the funniest historical based shows I've seen, definitely the funniest all female comedy shows I've ever seen.

"Pride & Prejudice (sort of)" is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 7 November.