Watch Pride & Prejudice: Having a Ball

Pride & Prejudice: Having a Ball is a 2013 British documentary that explores the elaborate and extravagant world of Regency era balls, with a special focus on the famous Netherfield Ball from Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. The show is available on Amazon Addon, and it will delight anyone who is passionate about history, literature, or social commentary.

Hosted by social historian Amanda Vickery and actor Alastair Sooke, Pride & Prejudice: Having a Ball is a two-part documentary that takes the viewers on a journey through time to discover the customs, etiquette, fashion, music, and politics of the British upper class in the early 19th century. With the help of a team of experts, including dance masters, costume designers, and historians, Vickery and Sooke recreate the Netherfield Ball as accurately as possible, using authentic props, clothes, and settings.

The first episode of the documentary introduces the viewers to the world of Regency balls, a crucial aspect of the social calendar that brought together the aristocracy, gentry, and urban elite of the time. With the help of paintings, diaries, and letters from the period, the show portrays the excitement, the expectations, and the anxieties that surrounded these events. Vickery and Sooke explain the intricate rules and codes of behavior that governed the interactions between men and women, the importance of status and reputation, and the role of dance as a form of communication and display.

The highlight of the first episode is the creation of a replica of a Regency ballroom, complete with period furniture, lighting, and decorations. Vickery and Sooke invite a group of young dancers to perform the popular dance styles of the time, such as the quadrille, the waltz, and the reel, and explain the symbolism and meanings behind each move. The dancers, who are all dressed in authentic Regency attire, add a touch of elegance and liveliness to the show, and the music and the atmosphere transport the viewers to another era.

The second episode of the documentary focuses on the Netherfield Ball, a pivotal event in the plot of Pride and Prejudice, where Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy for the first time. Using the descriptions from the novel and the research from the Austen scholars, the show recreates the ball as accurately as possible, bringing to life the characters, the costumes, and the settings. Vickery and Sooke interview the actors who played Elizabeth and Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of the novel, Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, and they discuss the challenges and the joys of portraying the iconic couple.

The Netherfield Ball scene is a tour de force of the documentary, with the viewers witnessing the arrival of the guests, the choreography of the dances, and the conversations that take place around the room. The tension between Elizabeth and Darcy is palpable, as is the gossipy and judgmental attitude of the other guests towards them. Vickery and Sooke provide insightful commentary on the class and gender issues that are present in Austen's novel and that are reflected in the ballroom dance culture of the time.

Overall, Pride & Prejudice: Having a Ball is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that offers a unique look into the world of Regency balls and the themes of love, class, and manners that are at the heart of Jane Austen's masterpiece. The documentary is beautifully produced, with gorgeous settings, costumes, and music, and the hosts, Amanda Vickery and Alastair Sooke, are knowledgeable, engaging, and funny. Whether you are a fan of Austen or a history buff, you are sure to enjoy this delightful show.