80s Pride and Prejudice bursts into Belfast

Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Belfast Telegraph reports on Pride and Prejudice and 80's Hits!, a new musical that fuses Jane Austen's Regency-era romance with 1980s pop anthems, directed and written by Kerry Rooney. Key figures include Sam Hunter as Mr Darcy, Laura Robb from Lisburn as scheming Caroline Bingley who performs Erasure's "Love to Hate You", and Alastair Chambers from Newry as Colonel Fitzwilliam. The article promotes the show's world premiere ahead of its three-night run at Belfast's Waterfront Hall Studio from May 7-9, 2026.[[3]](https://lovebelfast.co.uk/from-hip-hop-to-high-society-belfasts-new-mr-darcy-takes-centre-stage)[[4]](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/lisburn-actress-helps-to-give-an-80s-vibe-to-jane-austen-classic-in-new-musical-6027287)

Key points

Details and context

The production stays true to Pride and Prejudice's timeless plot—Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's rocky path through social barriers and misunderstandings—but adds vibrant 80s pop flair to heighten every glance and declaration.[[2]](https://www.ulsterhall.co.uk/what-s-on/pride-and-prejudice-80s-hits) Rehearsals have been described as fun and welcoming by cast members, with director Kerry Rooney praised for her approach.[[4]](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/lisburn-actress-helps-to-give-an-80s-vibe-to-jane-austen-classic-in-new-musical-6027287)

Tickets are on sale now via the Waterfront Hall website, targeting Austen fans, 80s music lovers, and musical theatre goers seeking escapism.[[6]](https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/pride-and-prejudice-and-80s-hits) As a "bold new Belfast musical", it highlights local talent and creative energy in Northern Ireland's theatre scene.[[1]](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dont-you-want-me-baby-1800s-meet-1980s-in-feel-good-reimagining-of-austens-timeless-love-story-pride-and-prejudice/a/146890404.html)

Key quotes

Kerry Rooney, writer and director: “Sam has thrown himself into Darcy with incredible dedication. He brings a natural charisma to the stage, but what’s been most impressive is his willingness to really explore the character – the pride, the vulnerability and the emotional journey.”[[3]](https://lovebelfast.co.uk/from-hip-hop-to-high-society-belfasts-new-mr-darcy-takes-centre-stage)

Laura Robb, Caroline Bingley: "What intrigued me most was that they were putting an 80s twist on it with classic hits… The rehearsal process so far has been really fun."[[4]](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/lisburn-actress-helps-to-give-an-80s-vibe-to-jane-austen-classic-in-new-musical-6027287)

Why it matters

This musical brings fresh life to a literary classic through local Belfast production values, blending high culture with pop nostalgia to draw diverse crowds. Fans get an accessible, upbeat take on Austen's wit and romance powered by familiar 80s anthems like Erasure's, without straying from the original themes. Watch for strong reception at the short premiere run or announcements of extensions/tours, as success could spotlight NI theatre innovation.

FAQ

Q: Where and when does Pride and Prejudice and 80's Hits! premiere?

A: The world premiere takes place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall Studio over three nights: Thursday May 7, Friday May 8, and Saturday May 9, 2026, each starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are available via the venue's website. The show is promoted as a bold new Belfast musical.[[6]](https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/pride-and-prejudice-and-80s-hits)

Q: Who is directing and writing the musical?

A: Kerry Rooney serves as both writer and director. She has praised cast dedication and appears in promotional interviews about the production. Musical direction comes from Leah Jordan.[[3]](https://lovebelfast.co.uk/from-hip-hop-to-high-society-belfasts-new-mr-darcy-takes-centre-stage)

Q: What 80s elements feature in the show?

A: The soundtrack uses chart-topping 80s anthems to amplify romance, faux pas, and declarations, with big hair and beats. Specific example: Caroline Bingley sings Erasure's "Love to Hate You". It evokes 80s pop sensibility in Regency setting.[[4]](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/lisburn-actress-helps-to-give-an-80s-vibe-to-jane-austen-classic-in-new-musical-6027287)

Q: Who are some key cast members with Northern Ireland ties?

A: Laura Robb from Lisburn plays Caroline Bingley; Alastair Chambers from Newry is Colonel Fitzwilliam. Sam Hunter as Mr Darcy lives in Belfast after moving from Australia.[[4]](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/arts-and-culture/theatre-and-stage/lisburn-actress-helps-to-give-an-80s-vibe-to-jane-austen-classic-in-new-musical-6027287)[[5]](https://www.newry.ie/articles/the-arts/newry-man-stars-in-eighties-musical-reimagining-of-pride-and-prejudice)