Plied and Prejudice

The Vaults

This show is the perfect night out; drinks delivered during the show and a little audience participation. A fun version of Pride and Prejudice, best paired with a funky cocktail.

One of London's craziest theatre experiences is underground in Waterloo. You can bring your gal pals, get a few drinks, get involved with the show and then celebrate Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding after. Is it how Jane Austen intended the story to be told? Maybe... but it's crazy, fun and don't worry they included the iconic drenched Mr Darcy scene.

It's absolute chaos and the actors must have at least 5 red bulls before performing this piece. There are 5 actors performing an abundance of roles, whilst the bar staff are delivering drinks. The energy in the room is electrifying. The evening flies by, the audience get involved and it's more an experience than it is a show! There are areas to explore, photo opportunities, themed drinks and you can get involved with the celebration of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding after the show. Have a dance and a tipple with the actors. The cast manage to get through the book, throw in some jokes, interesting costumes. It feels like a student is explaining the story to you in a way that merges the now and the time it was set, to get the audience more into the story! It's a loose, wild and comfortable show and is great for a thirsty Thursday.

Sparks of energy bounce from wall to wall throughout the show and I may have had a couple to drink, but I'm sure the actors were bouncing off the walls as well. Alexia Brinsley was one of the most eye-catching actors of the cast, her enthusiasm and positive energy was infectious. You get warn out watching her dance, run across the stage and still get each line out with emotion, comic timing and charm brilliantly. The whole cast have great reactions to not only the story, but all unexpected audience reactions and cast reactions, they are on the ball! They create this lovely laissez-faire atmosphere where anything is possible, and they don't step out of their stage personalities or miss a beat. It makes the audience feel relaxed and set for the fun that is in store. Andrew Macmillan plays the most comic male roles throughout and, Emma O'Sullivan plays the most comic/animated female roles. The two work well contrasting each role, they also differentiate each role brilliantly. To elevate the comedy, I think being more serious about their comic characters and not stepping out into their stage personality to laugh/react to the crazy things they are doing would increase the comedy.

It is an animated setting that the audience feel like they have just stepped into the Austin novel and it's a comic cartoon! The aesthetic of the set and areas fits the tone and energy of the piece extremely well. So much work has gone into bringing the audience into the story and getting them involved. It was a fantastic touch to have a party after the show, where the audience can speak with the characters, watch live performances of popular songs altered to fit the story. It would be great to get the actors out at the pre-show to get the audience more comfortable, introduced to the characters and have them guide you into the narrative. There are moments of audience participation, and these moments are grand, as the awkwardness mixed with the contrast of the committed actors is divine comedy.

This may not be how Jane Austen intended the story to be told, but it's great fun and an authentic theatre experience. The production feels so speedy, in a good way! It's not dragged out and whilst moments feel rough round the edges, this is where the comedy lives, and it creates an interesting audience experience. This show is a hidden gem and if you want something a little different then this is perfect for you and your friends. It reminds you that theatre doesn't have to be taken so seriously all the time! What a wild and vibrant experience and £12 for a glass of Taittinger is also a huge perk... come along and get PLIED.