Fresh look to dashing Mr Darcy
Britain's most eligible bachelor is in Portsmouth - a dark, handsome man who owns half of Derbyshire.
He is, of course, Mr Darcy, hero of Pride And Prejudice.
Jane Austen's novel is brought to the stage by the Groundlings Theatre Company this week, with a former male model as Darcy.
Dan Avery, now a professional actor, was selected from hundreds of candidates who auditioned for the production at the New Theatre Royal.
Director Richard Stride, who has also adapted the novel for the stage, says it was a long process finding the right man for such a classic role.
'He needs to have such a presence about him that when he walks into a room everyone will stop and look up, and Dan certainly had that effect.
'At his first rehearsal, all the actresses paying the Bennet girls didn't need to act falling in love with him!
'But it wasn't only his good looks that won him the role. He is also a fantastic actor and gives Mr Darcy a new, fresh look that is exciting to watch.'
Dan is roughing up his good looks to play Bottom, an aspiring actor with little talent, in the Groundlings' other production at the NTR this week, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Celia Muir returns as Hermia after her critically acclaimed performance in the company's previous production of the play, which was nominated for Best Professional Production in the Guide Awards.
The Portsmouth-based Groundlings regularly bring together young and other amateur performers with experienced professionals.
Richard, the company's founder and himself a professional actor, says: 'It's wonderful to work with such professional actors who are ready with all lines learnt at the first rehearsal.
'It gives the director a chance really to develop the character and bring the story to life.'
Pride And Prejudice and A Midsummer Night's Dream are running in repertoire at the NTR with a mixture of matinee and evening performances.
The company will stage two further productions at the same venue during the week July 28 to August 1 - Hot Mikado, a musically updated version of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, and The Wind In The Willows.
*Details and tickets: (023) 9264 9000 or newtheatreroyal.com.
*Quote THE NEWS for 2 off each ticket for any of the four Groundlings productions.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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