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About this podcast

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a community theatre company in the midst of isolation shall be in want of a production.

Ballarat National Theatre is proud to announce the creation of their first online production; a dramatic reading of Jane Austen’s beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. Voiced by the returning cast of the sell-out 2018 BNT production and welcoming a number of new voices; each episode will feature 2-3 chapters and transport you to 19th century England and the immerse you in the lives, loves and misunderstandings of the Bennets of Longbourn.

Synopsis

Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet's most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it's difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense -- but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?

2020 - 2021

  • Podcast audiobook

  • Genre: Drama

  • Author: Jane Austen

  • Director: Liana Emmerson

  • Episodes: 30


  • Our Pride and Prejudice Podcast is a Webby Award Honoree in the 25th Annual Webby Awards (Limited Series Podcast - Scripted Fiction)

Listen now

About the Director

Liana Emmerson

Liana studied acting at 16th Street Actors Studio and has also completed a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing as well as a major in Literature Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts.

She has performed many times with BNT and has also worked as a performer at Sovereign Hill.
In addition to performances with companies from our region including Skin of our Teeth and Tripwire, she is known locally for her roles in Little Women (Hannah), The Best Man (Mabel Cantwell), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Bennet), Nobody’s Perfect (Deedee), Daisy Pulls It Off (Trixie) and Much Ado About Shakespeare (Lady Macbeth and Mercutio).

Liana’s creative skillset includes martial arts, in which she has a 1st dan black belt and weapons training in nunchucku, bo, jo, tonfa, kali sticks, and knives. She is also a professional singer, professional photographer, and passionate writer. The latter of which has been utilised extensively as she and Olivia adapt the text where it is needed for audio performance. 

About the Assistant Director

Olivia French

Olivia has always loved pursuing creative endeavours. Whilst living in Tasmania, she performed in 'Annie' and 'Phantom of the Opera' (Encore Theatre Tasmania) and starred as Annelle in 'Steel Magnolias' (Launceston Players). Since moving to Ballarat in 2015, her stage credits with Ballarat National Theatre include 'The Best Man', 'Daisy Pulls It Off', 'Nobody's Perfect', ‘Act Like a Girl’, and as the witty and dauntless Elizabeth Bennet in the 2018 production of 'Pride and Prejudice', directed by Alexandra Meerbach.

Most recently, she was fortunate enough to feature as an ensemble member in Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s production of ‘Les Misérables’, in March 2020 – mere days before the first lockdown was announced. Olivia is also a member of the performance team at Kryal Castle; acting in numerous pantomimes, arena shows and murder mystery nights – though her favourite is The Twelfth Night in Twelve Minutes. She rides horses and tames dragons, has survived zombie apocalypses (yes, more than one) and regularly visits Wonderland and Sherwood Forest.

Olivia is a passionate postgraduate qualified educator. Her Bachelor’s degree majored History, Sociology and English Literature – with a particular focus on 19th Century British Literature. Her deep knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is unparalleled and has been essential to the creative partnership of the project. In addition to Assistant Directing the production, a significant highlight of working on Pride and Prejudice Podcast has been the opportunity to adapt the script for production, delving deeper into Austen’s world and words, and demonstrating her prowess as a writer.

Olivia considers herself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to play one of her literary heroes not once, but twice. Her experience with the Pride and Prejudice Podcast has inspired, challenged and rewarded her in many ways, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share the joy she has found in Austen’s work.

Q&A with the creators

Recording of a live Q&A with fans of the Pride and Prejudice podcast, answering listener questions about the project.

Behind the Mic

with Narrator Olivia French

Find out how Olivia records the narration for the podcast from home during the pandamic.

Behind the Mic

with Marli van der Bijl (Caroline Bingley)

Marli takes us into her recording set up that she has developed to deliver her lines from her home.

Cast

Olivia French

Narrator and Plays Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Bennett

Chris Hisock

Mr Bennett

Liz Hardiman

Mrs Bennett

Liana Emmerson

Jane Bennett

Kirily Mckellor

Mary Bennett

Amelia Pawsey

Catherine ‘Kitty’ Bennett

Daisy Kennington

Lydia Bennett

Ryan Oconnor

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Tess Parker

Georgiana Darcy

Jolan Walker

Colonel Fitzwilliam

Paul Roberts

Charles Bingley

Marli Vander Bijl

Caroline Bingley

Lana Spencer

Lousia Hurst

Elliott Gale

Mr Wickham

Elly Krieg

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Ebony Mcclain

Charlotte Lucas

Shannon Nicholls

Mr Collins

Nick Barker-Pendree

Sir William Lucas

Alana Denham-Preston

Maria Lucas

Pippa Asome

Young Lucas Sibling

Tim Murphy

Mr Gardiner

Ang Cuy

Mrs Gardiner

James Wait

Mr Denny

Mary Rose Mclaren

Mrs Reynolds

Emma Wood

Mrs Hill

Jordan Ryan

Butler

James Ao

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Crew

  • Director

    Liana Emmerson

  • Assistant Director

    Olivia French

  • Production Manager

    Elizabeth Bradford

  • Production Assistant

    Marli van der Bijl

  • Writers

    Liana Emmerson & Olivia French