Back by public demand, Queensland Theatre’s production of Pride & Prejudice initially ran for a curtailed season early last year. The arrival of Cyclone Alfred resulted in cancellation of the final week of sold out performances.
Thanks to the talents of Designer, Christina Smith, the play collected a 2025 Matilda award for Best Set Design. Another Queensland Theatre production, A Few Good Men, scooped multiple awards.
Penned by English author, Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice was published in 1813. Written when Austen was aged about twenty, the novel has taken its place amongst the classics.
For a young, unwed girl Austen had remarkable insight into the courtship rituals and marital situation of her time. Perhaps that’s why she remained single until her early death aged forty one.
Presumably, she has embodied the character of Elizabeth Bennet. This young heroine is clever, astute and scathing in her social comments. Austen’s wit is personified. Maddison Burridge owns this role.
Marriage, at that time, was a market place and buyers and vendors viewed each other accordingly. Elizabeth is described as ‘tolerable’ by Mr Darcy and Mrs Bennet has her wares (five daughters) polished and ready for purchase.
Prior to the introduction of the Married Women’s Property Act 1882, only male family members had inheritance rights. The Bennet family demonstrate the dilemma faced at that time by landowning families lacking in sons. With five daughters and no male heir, a distant cousin stands to inherit.
Consequently, the heir-in-waiting, Mr Collins arrives on the scene to survey his future fortune and secure for himself status plus a wife.
Mr Collins is annoyingly hyper pious with an inflated ego and exaggerated manners. His character contrasts starkly with Bingley (William Carseldine) and Darcy (Andrew Hearle) who are born gentlemen and effortlessly handsome.
From the moment he appeared, Cameron Hurry was hilariously dominant in this role. He brought to life the repulsive mannerisms and irritating speech of this odious, caricature of a flawed man.
Another flawed character, adding menace to the plot is military officer, George Wickham. As usual, Jeremiah Wray cuts an imposing figure and gives a convincing performance.
Wickham is a predatory fortune hunter who seduces the silly Lydia Bennet. Deluded, Lydia deems herself lucky. An honour-saving marriage only eventuates after Mr Darcy promises to provide an annual sum of money.
Money makes their world go round. Mrs Bennet has appraised herself of the annual income of every potential son in law.
Gael Ballantyne was formidable in her roles as fussy Mrs Bennet and the imperious Lady Catherine. Ballantyne is a veteran actor, skilled at accent and assumption of character. She also plays the housekeeper at Mr Darcy’s estate, Pemberley.
Co-directed by Bridget Boyle and Daniel Evans, this is an excellent adaptation of Austen’s classic novel.
Pride & Prejudice
Playhouse – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Tuesday 14 July 2026
Season continues to 26 July 2026
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au
Images: The Company of Pride & Prejudice – photo by Morgan Roberts | Maddison Burridge in Pride & Prejudice – photo by Morgan Roberts | The Company of Pride & Prejudice – photo by Morgan Roberts | Jeremiah Wray and Maddison Burridge in Pride & Prejudice – photo by Morgan Roberts
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan