Matthew Kelly to play Mr Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

English actor and television presenter Matthew Kelly will join the cast of Pride and Prejudice during its 2016/17 UK tour in the role of Mr Bennet.

Regent’s Park Theatre’s production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will tour the UK from September, following sell-out performances during its summer season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly, who has theatre experience in shows such as Funny Peculiar, Waiting For Godot and Sign of the Times, will star as Mr Bennet alongside Felicity Montagu (I’m Alan Partridge, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) who will play Mrs Bennet.

Kelly is perhaps best known as the presenter for the popular ITV programme Stars in their Eyes; he also presented shows such as Game for a Laugh and You Bet!

Pride and Prejudice tour dates

Pride and Prejudice will tour from September 2016 to February 2017, and will open at Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

The production will also stop at the Theatre Royal in Norwich, the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham and the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. Other confirmed venues include the Corn Exchange in Cambridge; the Curve in Leicester; and Richmond Theatre.

About Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the Bennet family and their five unmarried daughters who are haplessly searching for love.

The plot focuses on the relationship between headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and the eligible Mr Darcy, and their unwitting attraction towards each other.

Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813 and has since remained one of the most popular novels in English literature.

It went on to sell over 20 million copies and has led to numerous adaptions, including the 1940 film starring Laurence Olivier and the 1995 BBC adaptation starring Colin Firth.

For more information visit www.prideandprejudiceplay.com.