''Mr Darcy!'' "Miss Bennett!'' Shellharbour will come alive with Regency-era romance and all its wonderfully suppressed emotions with Roo Theatre's September celebration of Pride and Prejudice.

An enduring piece, Jane Austen's 1813 novel remains a telling critique of English society at the time, when a woman's best hope was to marry ''well'' and love was often put through the chicanery of class and high expectation.

Roo production manager Renee Brighton said the piece, adapted by Brian McGinn, was a story which themes that continued to resonate more than two centuries later.

''Jane Austen for all intents and purposes is Elizabeth Bennet,'' she said. ''Through her writing, we engage in timeless themes and ideas. At its core, it’s a story of romance, but also one of humour, society and its foibles.''

McGinn has adapted several novels for stage and knew the story had to have an engaging flow.

''A play is not a novel,'' Renee said. ''He kept true to the words and actions of the story, but also added some fresh twists to key moments. One example of this is with the incorporation of modern pieces of music played Regency style by string quartets.''

Austen's heroines often challenged the prescribed and limited roles for women as dictated by society. ''They found ways to shape their own destinies,'' Renee said. ''Austen produced works that embraced feminist ideations and shaped the way for the need for equality. This continues to resonate with young women today.''

Sophie Bentley and Kyran Bishop play the lead couple and, Renee says, bring 'breathtaking' chemistry to the script. ''They remind the audience of the overwhelming talent the Illawarra has to offer, as does the whole cast,'' she says. ''They are both extraordinarily talented actors who portray the characters in a way we are sure Jane would love.''

Roo will perform Pride and Prejudice from September 19-28. Tickets: roo-theatre.com.au

White Rabbit Red Rabbit

Everyone including the onstage talent is in for a surprise when White Rabbit Red Rabbit touches down at Wollongong Workshop from September 18-28. Yes, there is a script, but the individual actor gets to see it only when they turn up to play it on the night. There is no director, no rehearsal and no set. The show has been performed more than 3000 times – each differently – since 2011, and eight actors will give eight shows at Gwynneville.

Tickets at Wollongong Workshop Theatre's website