In a sparkling performance that hints at a family legacy of talent, Rosa Hesmondhalgh brings warmth and presence to the role of Elizabeth Bennet in Kate Hamill’s retelling of Jane Austen’s classic, writes Ian Cheeseman.
Nature v nurture is a debate I’ve heard throughout my life. Do you believe that genetics makes the key difference in a person’s life journey? In sport there are often offspring who emulate the talent and success of their parent but I’ve also seen examples of children who’ve gone down the wrong route and wondered if it was destiny, because of their genes.
Having just watched Pride & Prejudice at Bolton’s wonderful Octagon Theatre, I started wondering if there’s some truth in the argument that acting talent runs in the Hesmondhalgh family. I’ve always admired Julie Hesmondhalgh, who shot to fame as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street and recently appeared in the Mr Bates v the Post Office. Her latest West End play, Punch, at the Apollo Theatre will return to the stage in September. There’s no doubting Julie’s talent.
Is it a co-incidence that I saw her niece, Rosa Hesmondhalgh, known for her TV role as Rae in Bridgerton, playing the part of Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, and she too was amazing? I recently chatted to her and asked her if she believed being a talented actor was in her genes.
“I don’t know if it’s genetic. There’s certainly creativity and passion for the arts in all of my family members but I’ve seen Julie doing what she does since I was five years old, and I just thought she was so spectacular that I wanted to do the same thing. That childlike wonder has never really gone away when it comes to her. I have wanted to be an actor my whole life. I’m very grateful I get to do it now too.
“I think doors did open for me because of Julie. She taught me how to do a monologue for drama school, she gave me information about plays and playwrights and a World I never would have known about. We have the same unique surname and people often ask me if I’m related to Julie. I love Julie and I think it’s really important to accept that because it’s a massive privilege. I think it’s important to say, though, that the help she’s given to me, a family member, she also gives to lots of other people that she meets in all areas of her life. I also hope to help other people get up this weird ladder we’re trying to climb as well.”
I can confirm that Rosa Hesmondhalgh is a genuine talent and her scenes with James Sheldon, as Mr Darcy, were mesmerising. Her stage presence is clear to see.
Kate Hamill has adapted the work of writer Jane Austen into a humour filled, joyous and accessible version of Pride & Prejudice and director Lotte Wakeman has created a perfect performance within the Octagon’s intimate theatre. The nine strong cast were very strong and I could praise each one individually, but I’ll pick out Jessica Ellis and Eve Pereira particularly, for their clever switching of characters which were seamless. Joanna Holden as Mrs Bennet, despite needing crutches to support a leg injury, never missed a beat.
This is simply a must-see show. Talent like this should never be taken for granted and don’t hesitate to go and see it simply because of any pride and prejudice you might have about your perception of the books of Jane Austin.
You’ll hear my interview with the extremely talented Rosa Hesmondhalgh, on my weekly radio show, Break-a-Leg and the show runs at Bolton Octagon until Saturday 28th June.
Tickets are available at: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/pride-prejudice