The classic Jane Austen novel is brought to life ‘in the round’ of the Tyndale Theatre, with gentle performances from all that entertain whilst raising the consequences of quick judgement and questioning the motivation to marry. The story is primarily about Elizabeth Bennet, swift to judge a Mr Darcy, who similarly forms harsh opinions about Miss Bennet and her family – and the narrative explores how they reconcile their pride and prejudice. It’s told against the background of the Bennet matriarch who knows her daughters must marry well to preserve the family name (and keep a roof over her head). The five daughters have their own ideas: to marry for love, or not to marry at all, and the eligible men of the area host balls and parties to be introduced, to flirt, and to find love when logic says otherwise.

Janet Fletcher’s adaptation of Austen’s most famous novel stages the eligible men and women of Meryton as items to be auctioned. Annie Matsouliadis’ Auctioneer strides to announce ‘Lot 1’ and people with programmes look curiously at the gentlewomen and gentlemen, posing in picture frames as if works of art.

It's a gentle adaptation that brings a new angle to the ‘marriage market’ of the day, with strong performances from everyone – and it’s a well spent two hours out of the hubbub of the city.