The lush gardens of Picton Castle provided the backdrop for an enjoyable, engaging and memorable play on the evening of Wednesday, June 30.

An audience of approximately 180 brought their own chairs and warm articles of clothing to Picton Castle. There they enjoyed picnics, from coffee and quiche to wine and strawberries, and were treated to the Chapterhouse Theatre Company's performance of 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Ten talented actors, arrayed in Regency fashion, played over 20 characters from the Jane Austen novel, some of them also playing short tunes on the flute to mark scene changes.

From the moment the incorrigible Mrs. Bennett (Kate Elizabeth Ambrose) yelled for her husband, it was clear that we were on familiar territory; an adaptation faithful to the book, reminiscent of the BBC series, with comedy taking first place in the sparkling script.

Unlike the BBC series, however, at no point did Mr. Darcy emerge from a lake, but Edwin Wright acted his part with style. The struggle to reconcile his attraction to Elizabeth with his distaste at her circumstances was convincing. Elizabeth (Hannah Lee) was equally compelling in her change of attitude towards Mr. Darcy.

The actors were always clearly audible, and never seemed completely out of role, even during the interval when a raffle was held. One young lady celebrating her birthday was welcomed onto the stage before the performance continued, to receive the kind of birthday greeting only a man like Mr. Darcy could give.

Surprisingly, the company did not use the castle as a backdrop, but had erected a simple stage set of columns, steps and windows in the garden. This was modified into different scenes by the use of furniture, most of the scene changes being carried out by a surly footman in a way that was infectiously humorous.

The character of Kitty Bennett had been written out, but the other four sisters were there; Mary with her morals, Lydia and her elopement with Mr. Wickham (James DuBois), Jane (Helen Jenkinson) and her romance with Mr. Bingley (Matt Rothwell).

Jennifer Burraston, who played Mary and the housekeeper at Pemberley, also played Charlotte Lucas and treated her confession that she had agreed to marry Mr. Collins with just the right touch of pragmatic poignancy.

Tim Metcalfe-Wood's performance as Mr. Collins was both amusing and effective, as it was easy to find him odious. What a contrast it was with his role as the long-suffering, gently satirical Mr. Bennett, where he seemed the most likeable man in all Georgian England!

Rhia Coles, as Caroline Bingley, oozed sophistication and sarcasm; she also sang extremely well, as befits the part.

In fact, judging by the sweetness of the gentle harmonies that accompanied the final wedding scenes, the cast would be equally suited to a musical production.

The play was directed by Rebecca Gadsby and produced by Richard Main.

Written by Jane Austen in the late 18th century and published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' has enjoyed lasting popularity and countless adaptations for stage and film. It was satisfying to see how well writer Laura Turner had adapted the novel of complicated characters, romances and misunderstandings into an evening of outdoor entertainment.

Tuesday, August 24, is the date of the company's next performance at Picton Castle. (A Midsummer Night's Dream).

PATRICK OVENDEN