As an NSTA representative, I had the privilege of attending Malvern College’s production of Pride and Prejudice on Wednesday 15th October 2025. Directed by Keith Packham, this was a beautifully realised evening of theatre. This ambitious choice for a school production paid off, as the young cast and creative team demonstrated not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of Jane Austen’s world, balancing period elegance with genuine comic energy.
Pride and Prejudice is a stage adaptation of Austen’s beloved 1813 novel, inspired by Andrew Davies’ acclaimed 1995 BBC television series. First performed at the Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre in Warwickshire in 2023, the play follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters of a country gentleman, as she navigates love, social expectations, and family pressures.
From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was drawn into a world of Georgian refinement, supported by a beautifully designed and masterfully crafted set. The attention to period detail was remarkable, yet the design never overwhelmed the performances. Instead, it created a space that allowed the wit and emotional nuance of the script to shine. The set moved fluidly between the various scenes, maintaining a sense of intimacy while still suggesting the breadth of Austen’s social world.
At the heart of the production was Eva as Elizabeth Bennet, with a performance that anchored the entire evening. Eva brought intelligence, warmth, and a touch of rebellious spirit to the role. Her Elizabeth was quick-witted yet tender; she handled Austen’s language with remarkable ease, allowing every line to feel natural and contemporary without losing its period authenticity. Eva’s command of the stage was magnetic: her sparring with Darcy was charged with tension, while her quieter moments revealed a depth of emotional truth rare in student performances.
Ronan gave a solid performance as Darcy, conveying both the character’s proud reserve and underlying vulnerability. His measured delivery and strong stage presence created a compelling counterpart to Elizabeth’s spirited wit. Ronan’s portrayal developed beautifully through the play, revealing Darcy’s emotional awakening with honesty and restraint.
Tess performed well as Mrs Bennet. She portrayed the character’s energy and social ambition with some skill, capturing Mrs Bennet’s comic fussiness while maintaining clarity and control throughout. Her interpretation was steady, engaging, and suitably expressive.
Isabel also did well in her role as Jane Bennet, embodying the character’s grace and quiet dignity. Her gentle warmth provided a touching contrast to Elizabeth’s livelier energy, and her scenes with Bingley were tenderly realised, giving the romance an understated sincerity that resonated with the audience.
Among the supporting cast, Antoine’s Mr Collins was a comic triumph. With impeccable timing and physical precision, Antoine captured both the absurdity and pathos of one of Austen’s most memorable characters. His pompous self-importance, awkward gestures, and misplaced confidence drew consistent laughter from the audience, yet his portrayal never descended into caricature. It was a performance built on control and understanding.
Jess, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, brought a commanding presence to the stage. Her Lady Catherine was imperious and formidable; a figure of both power and parody. Jess’s ability to shift between icy disdain and comic exasperation gave her scenes an electric energy. She embodied authority so convincingly that one could almost see the rest of the cast straighten up whenever she entered.
Maisie’s wonderfully poised and incisive performance as Miss Caroline Bingley cannot go unmentioned. Her sharp delivery and refined composure perfectly captured the character’s blend of charm and condescension. Maisie’s performance added both humour and dramatic tension to her scenes, highlighting Caroline’s barely concealed jealousy and social ambition with impressive subtlety.
The ensemble as a whole deserves recognition for the way they supported the leading players and maintained the rhythm of the piece. Their understanding of the comedy, the subtle irony, the social awkwardness, and the emotional undercurrents was consistently sharp. Director Keith Packham deserves special credit for drawing out such mature and layered performances from his cast. Under his guidance, the ensemble captured the rhythmic charm of Austen’s dialogue. Packham’s direction ensured that each scene flowed with clarity and purpose, never allowing the pacing to lag.
The production was clearly well supported by friends and family of the cast, whose warm enthusiasm filled the theatre with energy. That sense of community spirit – students, teachers, and families coming together to celebrate artistic achievement – gave the evening an extra layer of meaning.
Malvern College’s Pride and Prejudice was a huge success: elegant, intelligent, and brimming with life. With its deft direction, exceptional performances, and technical finesse, it stood as a shining example of what school theatre can achieve when ambition meets artistry. Congratulations to all involved!
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