Cunard reveals West End Pride & Prejudice musical aboard Queen Anne

The unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s love story, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is premiering at sea on board Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage.

Brought to Cunard by acclaimed theatre producer David Pugh, the play will debut on Queen Anne’s May 24th departure, for a two-week celebratory ‘lap of honour’ circumnavigation of the British Isles that will also feature the official Naming Ceremony. 

The play comes to Cunard direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, and will be the centrepiece of the ship’s entertainment line-up, which also includes an eclectic mix of dazzling live performances at sea.

“We always strive to surprise and delight guests with unique and enriching experiences that can only be experienced on a Cunard ship,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. 

“We are therefore excited to be teaming up with the incredible David Pugh for the at-sea premiere of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), which is one of the most acclaimed West End productions of recent times,” she added. “I truly believe we are redefining luxury entertainment at sea with Queen Anne.”

The retelling of the Jane Austen classic remains faithful to the author’s work, but approaches the story from the perspective of the servants – with karaoke included for a big-hearted, dynamic ensemble piece.

Queen Anne is Cunard Line’s first new cruise ship in more than a decade and will be delivered in 2024.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

The ship, built to a similar design as Holland America’s Pinnacle class, will boast a new spa concept for Cunard Line, as well as new-to-the-line dining concepts among her more than a dozen offerings, and retail partnerships with some of the UK’s most exclusive boutiques.

Queen Anne will also feature an all-new music lounge and an art collection of 4,300 pieces, many of which will be by new artists.

The new lounge, called The Bright Lights Society, will be a live music venue featuring a range of performers where, according to Cunard, “no two nights are the same.”

The Bright Lights Society seems to be Cunard’s response to the Lincoln Centre Stage and Music Walk aboard Holland America Line, and is an example of the 182-year-old cruise line’s ongoing evolution.