Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

WCT Play

Western Canada Theatre rolls out modernized take on Pride and Prejudice

Mar 25, 2025 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS – Western Canada Theatre (WCT) is performing ‘Pride and Prejudice’ at the Sagebrush Theatre from April 3 to 13. The play, which has been adapted by Kate Hamill, provides a more modern version of the well-known story.

“It’s a very high-energy piece. It’s not your mom’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ there’s been a lot of, and not a lot of. But there’s been modernization for it, and there’s been room for it to be incorporated into the period setting of it. There’s a lot more hijinks. The dancing is fast-paced,” said Chris Walters, who plays Mr. Darcy.

Actors used a rehearsal Tuesday (March 25) to play with their fellow actors and explore their characters’ relationships and goals.

“I love the time I get to spend with the sister characters in the show, but I feel like the one-on-one scenes with Mr. Darcy are meaty. I get to dig into the acting of it. And Chris is an excellent actor. I have a good time doing those scenes,” said Kate Besworth, who plays Lizzie.

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Many performers often revert to the classic source material or other material, taking what previous actors have done and building upon the work done by those actors.

“I’ve watched every ‘Pride and Prejudice’-related content piece previously in the history of time. I’ve read the book. I’ve seen the six-part miniseries. I’ve seen the Keira Knightley movie. There’s a great series called ‘Lost in Austen,’ as well, which transports a modern character into the world of Jane Austen. I feel like that’s been good training,” said Besworth.

The process of rehearsal allows actors to make changes to their roles and the way they perform.

“How can I make it smoother? How can I make my character track feel more authentic, natural, realistic — or, depending on the needs of the play, provide the next moment for the other character and playing off all the other actors and just making the pieces, joyous and rowdy and then romantic at the end as possible,” said Walters.

After the rehearsal process, actors and crew will look forward to putting on the show on opening day, April 3 at the Sagebrush Theatre.