My first full length play (Water Child) was
produced in Newcastle Australia in 2012. Having won an award for that play and
received very enthusiastic reviews and comments from audience members, I was
keen to write another. But I had no particular idea about what until one day,
like a gift, an idea presented itself. Mr and Mrs Bennet. How – ? why – ? And
what inspired this unlikely union? I read Pride and Prejudice again eagerly
with those characters in focus, and noted that very little context is provided
for their past.
Chapter 42 opens with reflections on their
courtship and marriage:
‘HAD
Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she
could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic
comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that
appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a
woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had, very early in their marriage, put an end
to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for
ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown.’
