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Pride and prejudice are two feelings very close to most queer people. Jane’s Austen’s 1813 classic novel of the same title explores the potential for relationships to evolve once these core feelings are set aside. This is obviously a very relatable concept as the book is one of the most successful ever, having sold over 20 million copies in English alone. The book has also spawned many different versions in literature and on stage and screen, both queer and straight.
A fun, contemporary version is Gay Pride and No Prejudice, a new play currently on at London’s cute Union Theatre (one of my faves). Written by David Kerby-Kendall and directed by Luke Fredericks, Gay Pride and No Prejudice takes us on the familiar romp through early Nineteenth Century high society with a few modern twists on the tale as the three main characters strive for acceptance at a time when anyone outside the heterosexual patriarchy struggled. The resulting two acts are laugh-out-funny at times and thought provoking at others as we realise how slowly humanity has evolved over the past two hundred years.
Handsome rich friends Darcy (Michael Gillette) and Bingley (Noah Butt) have been friends since childhood. Theirs is a deep, loving relationship that has, in the past, come close to becoming sexual but so far that side has remained unspoken about. Things reach a head when Bingley starts dating a local woman Jane (Sophie Bradley) and Darcy panics that he’s going to lose his best friend and possible lover. The problem for Darcy is that, if he declares his love for Bingley, he risks incurring the wrath of both Bingley and the rest of society, with severe consequences. 1812 is a terrible time to be queer – Bingley understands this and that’s why he’s vying for the love of Jane. He tries to set Darcy up with Jane’s feisty sister Elizabeth (Sophie Bloor). Elizabeth is an ambitious feminist – a quality Darcy admires but she’s prejudiced against his pride and wealth. Gradually, Darcy and Elizabeth find some common ground and also begin dating. The relationships hit stormy weather once day when the two women catch the two men finally embracing. How is this going to pan out for everyone?
Kerby-Kendall takes us on a quick-witted journey full of twists and turns in a very entertaining two act romp, successfully brought to life by Fredericks. The four main actors are well supported by the girls’ parents, David Kerby-Kendall and Marianne March, a laid -back, slightly detached father paired with a batty, socially ambitious mother. It’s refreshing to enjoy classic British story-telling that’s been reimagined with a queer lens, and it’s important to consider the queer folk of that time who had no voice at all. Gillette and Butt are suitably handsome and have a strong believable chemistry. We will their relationship to happen. The cast are complemented by a strong script, set, outfits and timing. Overall, a great night. Catch it while you can.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
