Our obsession with the upper classes of yesteryear knows no bounds – for us it started waaaay back with the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring a dashing Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, and is currently settled on Downton (although we’re shopping around for a replacement after that farcical Christmas special).
If like us you’re a massive fan of Jane Austen and swooned your way throughout the whole BBC Pride and Prejudice box set then you’ll be happy to hear that the broadcaster is planning on recreating the Netherfield Ball for the books 200th Anniversary.
Why is this so special we hear you ask? In case your P&P trivia is a little rusty, the Netherfield Ball is a massive turning point in the book where sparks fly regency style between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. They share some very intimate dancing scenes full of furtive intense stares from Darcy and lots of ‘the lady doth protest too much’ scowls and sulking from Lizzie whilst her younger sisters and mother get trashed 19th century style and make a holy show of themselves. All you could want from a night out really.
Lizzie and Darcy getting steamy on the dance floor…
Always a stickler for detail, the BBC have enlisted the help of a crack team of experts who are planning on recreating the ball in the exact same spot – Chawton House in Hampshire – and every single aspect will be historically correct right down to the food guests eat to the moves they bust out on the dance floor.
So what if you’re desperate to attend but can’t afford a ticket? Thankfully, the ball will be filmed and made into a programme Pride and Prejudice: Having A Ball At Easter and will be screened later on this year. It promises to take “an intelligent look at the social history of Austen’s world and explore how, as well as drinking, dancing and jollity, balls had an important purpose — to help women find a husband.” Not relevant to us at all…
Pride and Prejudice: Having A Ball At Easter will be shown on BBC in April.
