'The story is at the heart of what we are doing'

catches up with one of the stars of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) that's coming to Theatre Royal Bath next week. Rhianna McGreevy talks about playing three characters and telling the Jane Austen classic with humour and music

- JEFFREY DAVIES

AWARD-WINNING West End sensation Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), Isobel McArthur’s audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, is set to visit the West Country next week as part of a UK tour.

An undoubted hit with London audiences, the show has garnered a host of five-star reviews and won both the Olivier Award for Best Comedy and the Evening Standard Award.

It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in the irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.

The show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You're So Vain.

'A raucous, irreverent romp. Riotously funny. Austen turbo-charged.' And back in Bath by popular demand. Can Rhianna McGreevy who plays the roles of Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy as part of the ensemble cast of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), enlighten me further?

The actress laughed.

"Oh it's a really fun show. Isobel McArthur, the writer and director, has taken the classic Pride & Prejudice story and turned it into this really fantastic comedy with an abundance of music, lots of physical comedy and lots of sixth-form silliness, laughs and laughter. But at the heart of it there is still this lovely love story. It’s a wonderful show," a most welcoming Rhianna told me enthusiastically, ahead of the comedy’s second appearance at the Theatre Royal Bath.

The show is also described as “an audacious retelling of Jane Austen”, with music.