Isobel McArthur’s Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) strips away the intellectual exclusivity of Jane Austen’s classic, not only making it accessible to a wide variety of audiences, but also making clear the sort of tools that Austen herself was using in her original novel: gender, satire, romance, and – most of all – comedy. There’s no Colin Firth here – but there are plenty of karaoke songs to hum along to.
What is the premise of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)?
Told by the servants who work tirelessly behind the main characters within Austen’s work, we’re given a slapstick comedy version of Pride and Prejudice.
Dressed in white gowns with Doc Martens poking out underneath, the five-strong cast clean their way through the audience with yellow rubber gloves and individualised accents from across Great Britain. The fourth wall is destroyed immediately – they want you to be a part of the story.
After a rather disturbing entrance involving a plunger and a rather messy toilet, Elvis Costello’s ‘Everyday I Write the Book’ launches us into literary territory and the premise is set up. Though you may only know the main characters of Pride and Prejudice, there were unsung heroes helping to push the Bennet sisters along their journey towards love and stability.
Now, it’s their turn to tell a version of the events, with a song or two along the way – it’s best not to reason about the artistic merits or reasoning behind this addition, just go with it. Perhaps the jumbled selection of songs...
There’s no beating around the bush: winter is well and truly here. But the fun hasn’t stopped in Sydney – and there are lots of cracking events to entice you out and about.
Keen to add more colour to your home? The Incognito Art Show is on right now at Carriageworks – where you can take home a stunning piece for $100. The only catch? You don’t know who the artist is.
On Sunday, July 5, NSW Wine’s Winter Cellar Door returns to Carriageworks, featuring more than 20 of the state’s incredible wineries under one roof. Winery hopping around the Hunter, Orange and Mudgee in one day? That’s a big yes from us.
Darling Harbour’s ice skating rink has returned, open every day until July 19. Plus, there are free jazz sessions going down at The Rocks every Thursday (fun date idea?). Circular Quay’s Bastille Festival is back with a four-day cheese- and wine-fuelled affair, and Bondi’s annual arts fest is bringing a sparkling line-up of shows, arts and culture to the Eastern Suburbs.
Feeling festive? Sydney's Christmas in July celebrations are in full swing, with special menus at Forrester’s, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, Three Blue Ducks, Chiswick and more – think traditional roasts, all the trimmings and comforting winter desserts, with a side of Xmas cheer.
July also marks NAIDOC Week – an opportunity for us to honour the Traditional Owners of the land. The always incredible National Indigenous Art Fair will pop up in its new home, The Cutaway, from July 3–5.
For more culture, check out our guide to the best shows to see this month – including the five-star Mackenzie.
Scroll on for our full list of all the best wintry things to do this July – spring will be here before we know it.
Keeping the kids entertained while school’s out? Here’s our guide to the best school holiday activities in Sydney.
