Austen classic straight out of Regent’s Park

Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice sold out London’s Regent’s Park outdoor theatre for three years.

Now the people of Canterbury will be able to enjoy the much-lauded performance at the Marlowe from Tuesday, January 31, to Saturday, February 4.

It stars Olivier-award winner Matthew Kelly, who is best known for presenting ITV’S You Bet! and Stars In Their Eyes.

He is now a highly respected theatre actor and has numerous TV drama credits, including Cold Blood, Casualty, Heartbeat, My Family at War and Egypt.

Playing Mrs Bennet is Felicity Montague, who fans of I’m Alan Partridge will recognise as the socially-inept radio presenter’s long-suffering PA Lynn. She was most recently seen playing Mrs Mainwaring in the 2016 remake of Dad’s Army.

Tafline Steen is Elizabeth, Benjamin Dilloway plays Mr Darcy and Doña Croll is Lady Catherine De Bourgh.

One of the best loved English novels Pride And Prejudice tells the story of the humble Bennet family and their five unmarried daughters who see the opportunity to improve their social standing when two wealthy bachelors move into their neighbourhood.

The Regent’s Park open air theatre production of Pride And Prejudice was first staged in 2013 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the novel’s publication. The costumes are created by Tom Piper, who designed the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red poppy installation at the Tower of London, commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Two matinees are included in the schedule, with tickets available for between £20 and £34.50.

To book call the box office on 01227 787787 or visit www. marlowetheatre.com. The 2.30pm show on the Saturday will be audio described and captioned.

Mrs Bennet (Felicity Montague) with her daughters; Matthew Kelly as Mr Bennet in Pride and Prejudice