Pride and Prejudice
2025 & 2026
Selected for the 2025 Theatre Studies Playlist
‘What does it matter which one he chooses? We have a horde of them! Any one of them will do!’ – Mrs Bennet
In the plush ballrooms of high society, Mrs Bennet sees too well the value of a strategic union. But her five daughters all have ambitions of their own. Jane and Elizabeth want to marry for love (whatever that means). Mary’s stuck in a goth phase, Lydia’s hot for the local militia, and Kitty is... well, we don't need to talk about Kitty. With the cost of living rising, and Mr Bennet played by a potted monstera, how will the Bennet family hold onto their precarious position on the property ladder?
Addressing the concerns of a generation staring down the barrel of intense economic and environmental hardship, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ questions the function of ‘Love’ in the twenty-first century. As the popularity of period drama soars and dreams of homeownership plummet, does love (and marriage) become a means to an end? Or, in a world where individuals are defined by their asset portfolio, is love our collective salvation? A searing satire on polite society, Bloomshed will attempt to deliver the rom com’s most prized outcome: the happy ever after.
Show Warnings Course Language, sexual reference, smoke and haze effect, flashing lights, loud noises and a prop gun. This show also mentions colonisation and a prop gun.
Created and Performed by Bloomshed Directed by: James Jackson and Elizabeth Brennan
Performed by: Laura Aldous, Elizabeth Brennan, Syd Brisbane, Anna Louey, Lauren Swain, Emily Carr and James Malcher.
Set Design: Savanna Wegman Costume Design: Samantha Hastings
Lighting Designer: John Collopy
Sound Designer: Justin Gardam
Stage and Production Manager: Jacinta Anderson
Creative Producer: James Jackson
SEASON 2026 LOCATION DATE TIME
Malthouse Theatre, The Merlyn 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
14 May - 23 May 2026 | Mon 6.30pm | Tues - Sat 7.30pm | Sat Matinee 2:30pm
“Known for taking playful potshots at classics from literary and dramatic cannon, Melbourne indie ensemble Bloodshed now has Jane Austen in its comedic crosshairs.” The Age
“This is a very smart piece of theatre. Nicely designed… modern, though and funny. And still Austen’s imperishable story shines through, Bloodshed’s take giving us new ways of seeing it” ★★★★★ Arts Hub
"This is a joy of a show, which made me cackle from beginning to end... Not to be missed." Theatre First
REVIEWS
Outstanding Direction - Nomination
Outstanding Production - Nomination
Outstanding Performance (Emily Carr) - Winner
Outstanding Performance (Lauren Swain) - Nomination
Outstanding Performance (Elizabeth Brennan) - Nomination
Outstanding Ensemble - Nomination
Outstanding Set and Costume - Nomination
Outstanding Sound Design - Nomination
2026 Green Room Awards
Darebin Arts Centre, Melbourne 30 July - 10 August 2025 Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong 15 - 16 August 2025 Canberra Theatre Centre, ACT 15 - 18 October 2025
