Being Mr. Wickham ★★★★★ The Original Theatre Company (online) | Apr 30 - May 1, 2021


"What ever happened to...?" In this quite wonderful one-man show we catch up on the life of George Wickham, the charming scoundrel from Pride and Prejudice. George is turning sixty and reflects on his life. There are moments of self awareness, lots of self-justification and more than a little self-deception. How seriously one judges the man or how much his claims to have lived fully and survived charm you depends on the viewer. Adrian Lukis brilliantly creates a complex character who beguiles and bemuses. This is tour-de-force of acting and it is very ably supported by a strong script from Lukis and his collaborator, Catherine Curzon. Guy Unsworth deftly directs the production and Libby Watson's design is terrific. So many filmed stage productions seem unsatisfying and wooden because they are neither films nor theatre. But here, the piece successfully navigates the challenge, employing techniques from both genres and creating a hybrid that finally works. The lighting, sets and use of the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds venue absolutely delight as they both take one into a theatre and yet avoid the 'staginess' that undermines so many filmed theatrical productions. The current run for this piece is unfortunately short, but like Mr. Wickham we would be very happy to see it back!

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by James Findlay.

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