For 200 years audiences have delighted in countless readings, renditions, and revisions of Jane Austen’s classic novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It is, in fact, one of the most beloved romantic comedies ever written; a timeless tale of arrogance, assumption, courtship, conflict and comedy.On Friday night, at the City Hall Auditorium, a troupe of players from the L.A Theatre Works production company delivered a superb adaptation of the famous tale of unrequited admiration that morphs into celebrated love.The Hall was packed tight for this opening performance, and the polished cast did not disappoint. The production was top notch throughout, and the set was far more impressive than it had any right to be. The stage was organised by strategically placed microphones, and adorned with a large, strategically placed curtain that acted as a backdrop and projector screen all at once.From the opening moments of the story, it was apparent that this was no ordinary stage production. It never, after all, claimed to be a proper theatrical play, but rather a live radio production that was dressed, draped, populated with fabulous actors, and lovingly read for a rapt live audience.Rest assured, the audience was certainly rapt; hanging on every line, rejoicing in every punch line, and cringing at every awkward moment. It was a sublimely delightful experience; almost symphonic, and imminently civilised.The nine player cast was impressively accurate with their timing, inflection, and tone, which went a long way toward bringing the setting that much more alive. Accents were pitch perfect, attitudes were sharply scathing, and character interactions were passionate, poised, pompous, and prim, just as Austen intended.Standout performances included Julia McIlvaine as the tempestuous and morally strict Elizabeth Bennett, Nick Toren as the proud and private Mr Darcy, Darren Richardson in a triple role as Mr Bingley, Mr Collins, and the scoundrel Mr Wickham, and Nicholas Hormann, who played several roles, including the amiable Mr Bennet, the sweet Mr Gardiner, and the festive Captain Carter.Perhaps the best performance of the night, however, was delivered by the incomparable Jane Carr, who supported the leads with considerable skill in her role as the insufferable Mrs Bennet, and, later, the contemptuous Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mrs Carr was simply spectacular, bringing a weight to her dual character portrayal that was instantly recognisable.Indeed the entire cast was special on opening night, making this production a lightly funny, deeply emotional, and ultimately triumphant piece of modern art. Who knew that an adaptation of a 19th Century novel arranged for radio and presented live on stage could be so entertaining? Now if I can just find a podcast of it, then we’ll be in business!The capacity crowd was mesmerised by the story unfolding on stage throughout the show; a testament to the precision of the actors and excellent pace of the production. The version of the classic tale which graced the 2013 Bermuda Festival on Friday night was adapted for the stage by Christina Calvit, and is currently touring North America with the LA Theatre Works production company until the end of this month. Bermudian audiences enjoyed two full performances at the weekend, and were no doubt thrilled by the privilege.