Palchetto Stage's "Pride and Prejudice"

Jonathan Blakeley’s interview on

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

On the 2nd of December 2015 we went to the cinema “Garden” in Rende (CS) with our English teacher, Mrs Cuconati, to see “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, performed by the theatre company “Palchetto Stage”.

After the show, we politely asked Jonathan Blakeley, Mr. Darcy in the play, an interview. We’ve been very much impressed of the brilliant work the company did to dramatize the novel.Here’s what he said about the play.

1) When did you read the book the first time?

I had studied Pride & Prejudice in book form at school during English Literature class, it's a common book for students aged 14-16 to study in what are considered as GCSE study years in England. I haven't read the book in its entirety myself however I know that Steve and Kate (Mr and Mrs Bennett) are both big fans of the novel.

2) Where are you performing right now?

We actually finished our tour on the 19th February in the town Crema which is just south of Milan, so we are all back home in London now. Our tour ran from October 21st - February 19th, and we covered the entirety of Italy in the five months we were touring.

3) How many years have you been acting?

I have been acting professional (since leaving drama school in New York City) since 2010, so that would be nearly six years both in New York and in London as well as touring with productions around the USA and one production in Dublin, not forgetting our tour of Italy!

4) Have there been some troubles in re-adapt the text to the representation?

The text wasn't adapted by the actors but by the tour companies Palketto and APL, it's a tricky script to squeeze into 1 hour and 40 minutes, you have to hit key points, so at times it felt rushed however I feel we got a good grip on it as actors to make it work for you.

5) What kind of relationship do you have with the other actors?

The relationship is a strong one, none of us knew each other before the show so you have to get to know one another very quickly, this is common in theatre, you rarely work with the same people. I feel very fortunate to have spent my time in Italy with my cast and of course my Italian crew who travelled with us, almost like a family, we have all become close because of the Tour and I am truly thankful for that.

6) What do you feel when you are on stage?

It varies from performance to performance, sometimes you're very connected with the stage, actors, audience and context of the play from your characters perspective and sometimes those are missing which can make the performance very interesting. When it all comes together and works there is no greater feeling, it's like an electric pulse that runs through your spine, down to your feet and into the stage, it's exciting and can move you in unpredictable ways, that's when theatre becomes alive.

7) Would you like to act again in our Country?

I would yes! I had a great experience performing for Italian audiences and being able to perform in some truly stunning theatres. Italy in itself is one to truly behold, your history, architecture, art, geography, food, or......people are what makes it such an attractive and vibrant place to visit. However the driving could improve slightly.

8) Did you notice some differences between the Northen and the Southern students’ reaction to the play?

There were some differences yes but nothing drastic. For instance in the south the audiences were a lot of receptive and vocal, you would cheer, clap and shout out during the play, which happened occasionally in the north but nowhere near as much. This is unheard of in England, the audience is normally very refined and quiet until the very end, so it was welcome and exciting to perform for such a vibrant audience.

9) We noticed that you talked really slowly and punctuated - how difficult it was to change  your language to the foreign students?

At first in the rehearsal process it was difficult, in England naturally we speak to each other a lot faster and with less stress on certain words and sound within the words along with less gesturing! However it became second nature by the start of the tour and hopefully as an audience you could all understand what was being said.

10) How did you enjoy the role of Mr Darcy, one of the most fascinated characters created by Jane Austen?

It was great to play such an iconic character. Mr Darcy has this large cult following that really has put him on the map as one of the leading male figures of romance not just in literature but also in life. Throwing away any stereotypical judgments I had of him during rehearsal was tricky, I had to make him my own version of Darcy in my own unique way, like any actor does when playing a character. He was fun to play, multilayered and often times surprising, he was wonderful. 

De Stefano Chiara

Click here to watch a trailer of the show