Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of) - do you need to have read the book to enjoy?

I don't know the show, but if I hadn't read the book and wanted to know what was going on I'd rent or watch the Keira Knightley version of the movie. A couple of hours would be quicker than the book. Not the same of course, but then the play would make sense. (I don't know if the play is any good or otherwise)

You have undoubtedly seen it portrayed in other forms over the years without realizing it and have probably picked up the rough outlines of the story. But as a lover of Austen, I'd say read it (it really holds up!) or at least watch the last movie adaptation of it, which was really gorgeous. I know everyone goes crazy over Darcy, but Donald Sutherland as the father was just sublime.

Great minds think alike Nigel!

I don't think you'd have a problem not having read the book, but watching one of the many versions on film might help or just go to Google for a summary. The story really holds up. I've read it several times and I think I've watched every film version there is.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that in most cases a classic book is better than a film of the book. Assuming you have plenty of time before arrival you should have plenty of time to read the book before you come.

Maybe it's just me, but if the play is any good at all, reading the book or watching a movie (2 very different experiences) should be unnecessary. I've seen several different Shakespeare's plays without first reading the text. Maybe check the reviews.

Nigel, I’m thinking of watching one of the versions for sure …

The show is not a straightforward retelling of thr book - it’s supposedly hilariously off-beat

One lady on another board who saw it said I’d be fine going in with zero knowledge, which is great…but I’m going to watch a movie version to at least immerse myself in the world

Thanks!

Valadelphia, no doubt, although I don’t even know what it’s about!

I’m going to watch the movie, but also buy the paperback - no pressure to finish it before the show, but I think I may even appreciate it more if I finish it after I’ve seen Bath

Thanks!!!

Laurie Beth, I intend to!

Is the version with Colin Firth the most famous? I’ll watch whichever is easiest to get my hands on, lol

Thanks!

John, as a book lover, that is absolutely true…but my trip starts in April, and I’ve got so much to deal with - I’m going for 3 months, not just a week or two

But I am going to pick up the book - I’ll certainly find some time to start it …

Thanks!

CJean, I agree. It’s a bit different in this case because the show (which really does include (Sort Of) in the title is kind of a spoof/take off/non-straightforward version…

It gets fantastic reviews-I believe it won an Olivier

Thanks!

Betsy, I don't know when in your England stay you will be going to Bath, but you could always pop into a bookstore while there for a copy of Pride and Prejudice.

Even better, maybe read Persuasion, which is partly set in Bath and get a feel of the town before your visit.

As an English Lit major that included courses in Victorian novels etc, reading the book would be enjoyable. In terms of which adaptation to watch, the BBC 1995 adaptation with Colin Firth is hands down the best. And in this 250th year of Jane Austen’s birth, the Guardian just released the 25 best TV/movie versions of Jane Austen’s works, and it was #1. The Persuasian movie with Sally Hawkins is also excellent and a good portion is set in Bath as already mentioned.

but if the play is any good at all, reading the book or watching a movie (2 very different experiences) should be unnecessary.

Blasphemy! ;-)

Jean, pretty early on. I’m based in Tunbridge Wells for my first month, and about midway through, I’m going to spend 4 nights in Bath

I can buy both at the bookstore before I leave …doubt I’d have time to start until I get my stuff together, but I feel like …why not?

Thanks!

Claire, I’m going to buy the book - I’m really looking forward to reading it now…

I just read that article… the Firth version is on Brit Box, so I’m going to watch!

There’s a new series, Miss Austen - it’s airing in the U.S. starting May 4…too bad I’ll miss it

Hopefully it will be repeated in the UK when I’m there

The Colin Firth version is a little “truer” to the book than the Keira Knightly version. But it’s also longer. Either is fine.

I saw the 2005 Kiera Knightly version before I ever read the book and loved it. Then I read the book and enjoyed that too. Then years later I saw the Colin Firth mini series and enjoyed that too!

I had ‘Persuasion’ on my English Literature A level reading list. Let’s just say it wasn’t the kind of thing a sixteen year old sports mad, progressive rock loving youth would naturally gravitate to. “She goes to Lyme Regis, trips on a rock, sprains her ankle and love conquers all? What?” Years later - many years later - having finally worked out exactly where Austen was coming from and having watched the films, I made myself sit down and read ‘Pride & Prejudice’ from start to finish (Betsy - the title is one big spoiler!). I complained to Julie that it was slow going and wished they get on with it. However, she was wading through Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Villette’ at the same time and observed that compared to that, P & P raced along like an express train!

Ian

now look what you've done!!

Sitting down for lunch and, by order of she who must be obeyed, on the TV is now episode 1 (of 6) of the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, Susannah Harker, Julia Sawalha...... she having heard me read out this thread to her.

EDIT - episodes 1 and 2 now complete, with a happy wife.

You should go just for the experience. The Theatre Royal in Bath is a lovely theatre.

Trotter, I may end up watching the movie simply because it is just the 2 or so hours…but I think eventually I’ll watch the series.

Thanks!

Mary, I’m glad the Knightley version is available, too (in another steaming network)

I have time to watch the series as well before I leave…we’ll see

I feel like I’d appreciate the book even more after watching one or both

Ianandjulie - I get it!

You’d think as someone who loves books and literature that I’d have read even one Austen novel…or Brontë….

But, I’m not into romance (I’m also sports mad, and generally I read biographies, historical fiction, etc)…so I think I avoided this genre

But romance novels like I was avoiding are not the same kind of romance as Austen wrote…so now at least I should give her a go!

LOL about Villette!

Nigel….LOL

Helen, I bought my ticket!

But before I had decided, I was going to look into any tours - I love touring older theaters

I’m so excited!

Thanks!

Villette - “I’ve read six chapters and all they’ve done is get on a boat…..”

Betsy, that’s great that you have Brit Box so you can watch it. I won’t admit how many times I have watched the 1995 P and P but the recent time was 2 weeks ago when in the need of something to distract from the state of the world. The Persuasion movie I mentioned I think is also on Brit Box. I rewatched it a few weeks ago too lol.

Nigel, I hope you and your wife enjoy the series!

Thanks Claire. It lives on my TV recorder's hard drive, and is regular penicillin for a wife under the weather. If it had been videotape it would have worn out. Can't say how many times that, and Persuasion, and Ms Knightley's P&P (the latter two on DVDs) have been watched through......

Episodes 3, 4, and probably 5 and 6 tomorrow and Friday.

Betsy, you may also be interested in McDonald and Dodds, set and filmed in Bath. https://www.britbox.com/us/show/McDonald_and_Dodds_59989

I definitely agree with Trotter-and Colin Firth is the best Mr. Darcy. And Jennifer Ehle and Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins-the entire cast is really good

Ianandjulie - LOL!!!!

Claire, that’s how I feel about All Creatures Great & Small!

I bought Pride & Prejudice today!! I’m not likely to start it until maybe I’m on the plane, but I can’t wait to read it!

Mary, our local public tv station aired a couple of episodes, and I was going to watch….but they stopped airing them, so I deleted them from my DVR, lol

I’ll try to watch at least one episode before I go - I love British mysteries …dramas…comedies…everything, I guess, lol

Thanks!

Cala, I can’t wait to see him in this. I’ve only seen him in one thing - The King’s Speech- and he was brilliant

Betsy, this is the role that put him on the map so to speak.

Nigel, they are perfect programs for those times. I am happy they help your wife pass some time when she feels unwell.

Claire, I’ll post when I’ve had a chance to watch!

I liked the Colin Firth version and the next one with Keira Knightley too.
The acting is superb in both from all the actors and I agree that Donald Sutherland is brilliant.
Sometimes I like to see a film before I read a book, then I can visualize the characters a little bit as I read.
I advise you to see and read!

SJ, that’s how it’s going to be - I just won’t have time to read before I leave; but I will have time to watch either or both of the movie/Firth series

I have a vivid imagination, so in this case, I agree - I’ll be able to visualize the characters in my mind, and hear their voices …

Thanks!

Update:

So I can now finally answer the question that I asked awhile ago: NO, you do not need to have read the book or seen any tv or film version to enjoy this show. It's brilliant - incredibly clever, witty and intelligent.

I never actually did get around to reading the book or watching the tv/film versions, but - and this is going up sound ridiculous- I now completely ship Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy (assuming the basics of the show are the same as the book)!

I do hope you'll get around to reading it at a later date as Pride and Prejudice is so well written and charming and funny. I've probably read it at least 7-8 times and will continue to do so. The Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle series was wonderful, and I also enjoyed the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen movie, but there is nothing like the book.

Mardee, I will - I’m motivated. I really wanted to before I left - at least have started it, but I had to catch up on serious DVR backlog, & just didn’t have a chance

Wow, 7-8 times? I hope I love it that much!

Books are always better than filmed versions because you can get inside the characters heads…I bought the book before I left, so when I return, I’ll pick it up

I’ll likely watch the Firth version first…

I do hope you'll get around to reading it at a later date as Pride and
Prejudice is so well written and charming and funny. I've probably
read it at least 7-8 times and will continue to do so. The Colin
Firth/Jennifer Ehle series was wonderful, and I also enjoyed the Keira
Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen movie, but there is nothing like the
book.

This is exciting to read! I have tickets to see this in Edinburgh!!!!!

The 1995 Colin Firth version is included with Amazon Prime.

It's a good thing I missed seeing this post when it started! Keira Knightley version? Sorry, no. Just no. Aside from the historically inaccurate hair and costuming (bangs? really?) Mr. Bennett was a gentleman farmer. A gentleman farmer does NOT have pigs running through the house!
Glad you enjoyed the play though. :)

Valerie, I didn’t know it was coming to Edinburgh - I’ll be there in June!

You’ll love it!

Estimated Prophet, Thanks! I don’t have Amazon Prime, but I might get it if I can watch it here

The 1995 Colin Firth version is included with Amazon Prime.

Thank you, Maryellen!!!