Adrian Lukis returns to the stage in "Being Mr Wickham," a one-man show at London's Jermyn Street Theatre, running until June 22, 2024. This hour-long monologue, written and performed by Lukis, revisits his character George Wickham from the 1995 TV adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." Directed by Guy Unsworth, the production imagines Wickham at age 60, reflecting on his life while sipping wine in his drawing room.
Set in motion by Lukis' reminiscences, the narrative touches on Wickham's disdain for Mr. Darcy, admiration for Lord Byron, the impact of the Battle of Waterloo, and a twist in Darcy's earlier actions towards him. Despite being smoothly written and performed, the show remains a series of meandering musings that do not develop into a cohesive story. While Lukis's portrayal captures Wickham’s charm, it largely avoids delving into the character's more troubling aspects. The production is light and engaging but may feel like an undemanding after-dinner performance rather than a profound exploration of Wickham's persona.