Amazingly there has never been a gay panto of Pride & Prejudice, until now.
The White Bear Theatre in Kennington is playing host to this latest adaption of Jane Austen’s most famous novel.
Perhaps best remembered is the 1995 BBC adaption that kick-started Colin Firth’s career as he played the lead Mr Darcy, then we had the 2004 Bollywood version Bride and Prejudice and three years ago Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
For writer Kevin Quinn it was a no brainier – the 1813 novel is he says pack solid with innuendo and characters that can so easy be adapted for a gay audience that he did not have to divert from the original text.
The blurb on the White Bear’s website says it all …. think slapstick, think cock fights, cross dressing sisters and a hunk in trunks!
Gay Panto is now the mainstay for the festive period, but this is perhaps the only one that moves away from the likes of Cinderella and Mother Goose to the word of literary classics.
However, do not be fooled into expecting a high-brow night of theatre, this offering from the 43-year-old Bermondsey born editor of the News promises bawdy scenes, classic gay anthems and wait for massive cocks.
Obviously written for an adult audience the night promises to be great fun in this little but well established theatre above the now trendy White Bear pub on Kennington Park Road, opposite the tube station.
Produced by Bermondsey-based theatre company Waste Not, the 80-minute production is being directed by Jonny Cheriyan, who comes with west-end credentials and the audience is actively encouraged to have a pint during the interval.
Running for eleven nights between December 19 and January 4 people are advised to book early as the theatre has a small capacity and it is definitely an evening that would be enjoyed with friends.
‘Pride & Prejudice – the Gay Panto’
Thurs 19 Dec – Mon 23 Dec / Sat 28 Dec – Mon 30 Dec / Thurs 2 Jan – Sat 4 Jan
7.:30pm £15 / £12 consessions
Box Office: 0333 012 9463 www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk