Jane Austen’s iconic love story comes to the Octagon this spring

We are thrilled to announce the full cast andcreativeteam for Austen’s beloved novel, Pride & Prejudice - our co-production with Stephen Joseph Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake, in association with Theatr Clywd.

This must-see production, directed by our Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham, opens at the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Thursday 5 – Saturday 28 June, before visiting Stephen Joseph Theatre (Thursday 3 – Saturday 26 July), Theatre by the Lake (Thursday 7 August – Saturday 6 September), Hull Truck (Thursday 18 September – Sat 11 October) and Theatr Clywd (Wednesday 15 – Saturday 25 October).

This new stage adaptation brings to life the classic story of love, misunderstandings, and second chances (with plenty of music and dancing). Lose yourself in the world of Regency parties and courtship, as hearts race, tongues wag and passions swirl around the English countryside.

Leading the cast as the iconic couple at the heart of this love story is Netflix’s Bridgerton’s Rosa Hesmondhalgh (The King’s Speech, The Watermill Theatre, We Could All Be Perfect Sheffield Theatres) as Elizabeth Bennet, and James Sheldon (The Importance of Being Earnest, Gangs of New York, Storyhouse) as Mr Darcy.

The full cast includes: Aamira Challenger (West End and UK tour of Blithe Spirit, Bath Theatre Royal, The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Jane Bennet; Hollyoaks’ Jessica Ellis (UK tour of Rita, Sue and Bob Too!, Regal Entertainments, The Book of Will, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Queens Theatre Hornchurch and Shakespeare North Playhouse) as Lydia Bennet / Lady Catherine de Bourgh; Ben Fensome (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pleasuredome Theatre, Collide, White Bear Theatre) as Mr Wickham / Mr Collins; Joanna Holden (Brassed Off, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Pinocchio, Hull Truck) as Mrs Bennet; Dyfrig Morris (UK tour of The Baddies, Freckle Productions, The Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Mr Bennet; Eve Pereira (Alice in Wonderland, The Dukes, A Little Princess, Theatre by the Lake) as Mary Bennet / Mr Bingley; Kiara Nicole Pillai (The Jungle Book, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Beauty and the Beast, Stephen Joseph Theatre) as Charlotte Lucas / Caroline Bingley. All other roles will be played by members of the company.

Completing the cast is Emily Kathryn as the Off Stage Swing.

Pride & Prejudice director, Lotte Wakeham commented:“As a huge Austen fan, I am delighted to be directing this vibrant, witty and funny production, which has been adapted brilliantly by Kate Hamill. We have a stellar cast and creative team on board to bring this iconic story to life, and I cannot wait to share the production with audiences across the UK this summer and autumn.”

The Pride & Prejudice creative team includes: Jane Austen (Writer); Kate Hamill (Adaptor); Lotte Wakeham (Director); Jonnie Riordan (Movement Director); Sonum Batra (Composer/Musical Director); Louie Whitemore (Set and Costume Designer); Jamie Platt (Lighting Designer); Andy Graham (Sound Designer); Liv Barr (Casting Director); Chantell Walker (Associate Director); Fraser Scott (Assistant Director).

With sharp humour and sparkling dialogue, this witty stage adaptation uncovers the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life and promises a vibrant retelling of Austen’s beloved novel.

Pride & Prejudice plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Thu 5 – Sat 28 Jun.