Hi friends, Anna here 🙂 I still smile when I think back to Pride and Prejudice with Sock ‘n’ Buskin at Carleton University. It was November 2019, just as the snow was starting to fall in Ottawa, and stepping into the world of Jane Austen felt like a warm reprieve from the chilly weather outside.
I played Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the Bennet sisters, and she was such a joy to bring to life. Lydia is cheeky, a little reckless, and so full of energy. I remember the laughter in the audience whenever I called out my silly “yoohoos” or leaned into her flirtations. It never felt like just delivering lines — it felt like letting a spark loose in the room.
What made this production so special was how connected we all became, both cast and crew. Nights at the Kailash Mital Theatre were filled with laughter, long rehearsals, and the kind of teamwork that makes every role feel vital. I learned so much about how even the “smaller” characters carry the story forward. Lydia’s constant chatter, her open energy — she helped drive the rhythm of the play. And being reminded of that made me feel how important every voice is on stage.
Ottawa has such a beautiful and supportive theatre community, and Sock ‘n’ Buskin welcomed me with open arms. Performing in front of friends, family, and new faces, I felt the same warmth that had carried me through Yellowknife productions years earlier. That mix of community and creativity is what I love most about theatre — it builds something bigger than ourselves.
When I think about Pride and Prejudice, I think about giggles backstage, costumes that made us feel like we’d stepped right into Austen’s world, and the joy of telling a timeless story with such a talented cast. That experience reminded me why I love doing this — theatre is about connection, presence, and joy, and I’m so grateful I got to share Lydia’s energy with everyone who came to see us.
— Anna