Why You’ll Love The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley Even If You Haven’t Read Pride & Prejudice
You’ve probably heard of Pride & Prejudice. Maybe you’ve even watched one of the many film or TV versions (yes, even the one with the wet-shirted Mr. Darcy).
But what if Jane Austen’s classic has never been your cup of tea or you just never got around to reading it?
Good news: you don’t need to know a single thing about Austen’s novel to enjoy The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.
This witty, heartwarming play by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon stands beautifully on its own while giving a playful nod to the world Austen fans adore.
A Fresh Story in a Familiar House
The play takes place “downstairs” at Pemberley, the grand estate of Elizabeth and Darcy.
While the Bennets, Darcys, and other upstairs characters may be familiar to Austen fans, The Wickhams focuses on the servants and side characters, giving us a brand-new perspective.
Think Downton Abbey, but with holiday hijinks and unexpected romance.
It’s Not Homework—It’s Fun
Forget the idea that you need a literature degree to keep up.
The Wickhams is quick, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny. At its core, it’s a holiday story about forgiveness, second chances, and the joy (and chaos) of family gatherings.
You don’t need Austen cliff notes to get the jokes or feel the heart.
Relatable Themes, Timeless Characters
We’ve all been to holiday gatherings where the drama simmers as much as the mulled wine.
The characters in The Wickhams wrestle with love, loyalty, secrets, and traditions; things we still grapple with today.
You’ll see yourself (or your relatives!) reflected in the story, whether or not you’ve ever set foot in Austen’s Regency England.
A Perfect Holiday Night Out
At the end of the day, The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley is about joy.
It’s about love found in surprising places, laughter when things go wrong, and the magic of the holiday season. It’s the kind of play that sends you home smiling, maybe humming a carol or two, and ready to face your own family Christmas dinner.
So come see it. Whether you’re a die-hard Austen fan or you couldn’t pick Mr. Darcy out of a lineup, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the wit, warmth, and wonder of The Wickhams.
Performances run November 14-23, 2025.