REVIEW: Pride & Prejudice; Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and I had the privilege of watching her iconic love story come to life beneath the open sky at the 7:30pm performance at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre - a cherished summer haunt of mine. As the sun began its slow descent, the balmy Friday evening set the scene for a captivating performance - the perfect tonic to welcome the weekend.

I attended the Press night performance with a dear friend, nestled into the picnic terraces - a charming excuse to unveil the wicker picnic basket. With strawberries and delicate treats to soothe our soft-bellied hunger, we settled in, hearts open and ready to be fed by the evening’s offering of social satire and romantic whimsy.

It follows the intricate dance of pride, perception, and unexpected affection as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy’s connection begins to bloom.

The Pride and Prejudice production at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre by Storyhouse Live was a delight of wit, whimsy, and musical brilliance. With Alyce Liburd’s Elizabeth Bennet at its centre, the production positively sparkled. Liburd was nothing short of captivating- a vibrant juxtaposition of dynamism, playfulness, strength, and emotional intelligence. Her Lizzie radiated agency and charm, holding her ground with fire and finesse. She moved through each scene with presence and wit, giving us a heroine who was not only relatable, but thoroughly magnetic.

It was clear from the opening scenes that this was no ordinary ensemble. The performers were multi-talented, effortlessly slipping between character work and live musical accompaniment. Flute, clarinet, guitar, and trumpet laced through the performance, adding texture and joy to the storytelling.

Victoria Brazier brought Mrs Bennet to life with comic finesse. Her theatrical swoons at the arrival of Mr Bingley (Eddy Westbury) and Mr Darcy (Ethan Reid) had the audience chuckling in chorus. Ethan Reid’s Darcy was commanding and charismatic, embodying a quiet intensity that beautifully contrasted his portrayal of the oafish Mr Collins - a clownish, almost jester-like figure who made his entrance with a garish dance that had the entire arena grinning. His lack of social grace only heightened the charm and seriousness of Darcy’s brooding presence.

Howard Chadwick gave an exceptional dual performance as Mr Bennet and the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. His portrayal of the latter was especially commanding- a dominant force whose mere presence caused characters to cower and shrink, masterfully capturing the icy grip of aristocratic superiority.

Eddy Westbury delivered a standout performance in his dual roles as the charming Mr Bingley and the sly, smooth-talking Mr Wickham. His ability to shift seamlessly between Bingley’s affable warmth and Wickham’s calculated charisma was a true testament to his range and stagecraft. Westbury brought a lightness and likability to Bingley that perfectly balanced the more intense dynamics of the story, while his portrayal of Wickham was layered with just the right amount of allure and deceit. It’s clear he relished the opportunity to bring these contrasting characters to life, and his elation at working under the direction of Conrad Nelson translated beautifully into his confident, captivating performances.

The now-iconic scene in which Darcy confesses his love; “I love you. Most ardently. Please do me the honour of accepting my hand.” was exquisitely delivered. Elizabeth’s rejection, steeped in her sharp observation of his pride and ego, struck all the right chords. It was tender, biting, and beautifully paced; a moment of pure theatre. 

It was refreshing to see a diverse cast, which made the production feel all the more inclusive and relatable. The inclusion of local references - like a charming nod to Hoylake - added a familiar and reassuring touch.

Final thoughts:
This open-air experience offers more than a performance. Described as a 'bold new take' on the classic love story - it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and nature. With picnic baskets, prose, and good friends under a Chester sky, Pride and Prejudice became more than a play- it became a memory. Warm, witty, and full of heart, it’s an evening that reminds us of the enduring magic of theatre, story, and shared laughter.

The show runs from Saturday 4th July to Sunday 31st August and tickets can be purchased here