Last month at this time I was in Bath England, where I attended an event called “Mr. Wickham and an Evening with Jane Austen” offered through the Jane Austen Festival. I was in the UK hosting my first-ever reader tour, and a large group of us opted to attend the event. It was promoted as an evening of drama and music with actors Adrian Lukis (Mr. Wickham in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) and Caroline Langrishe performing excerpts from various Jane Austen novels along with musical interludes by a soprano and harpist. Unknown to the audience, they also had a surprise in store for us in the form of a special guest.
When we arrived, we made our way to an empty row near the middle of the room, and headed down the line. I discovered the chair at the end held a handwritten “reserved” sign and a man’s jacket. I sat down beside it and my traveling companions filled in. A few minutes later, an elderly gentleman came down the aisle and sat next to me. He stuck out his hand with unassuming ease and said, “Hi, I’m Ben.”
“Oh, I know who you are,” I replied, with a smile that could not be suppressed.
I had instantly recognized Benjamin Whitrow, the actor who portrayed Lizzie Bennet’s beloved father in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, my favorite adaptation and my favorite Mr. Bennet.
He asked my name and where I was from, and we carried on a pleasant conversation as we waited for the show to begin. He explained that they “had all driven down from London together”—I believe he meant Simon Langton (P & P director) and Adrian Lukis. Mr. Whitrow said they had maintained their friendship all these years later and still saw each other from time to time.
At one point, he gestured toward the stage and grumbled, “This is the last time I’m going to do one of these.” He meant, I supposed, that this was the last time he intended to make an appearance related to his role in P and P over twenty years before.
“Well, we really appreciate you being here,” I said. “Like many Austen lovers, I rewatch Pride and Prejudice every year.”
His brows rose in surprise. “Do you really?”
“Yes,” I assured him. “And you will always be Mr. Bennet to me and to many. That is quite a legacy. You will never be forgotten.”
He thanked me, and we talked for several more minutes. He asked me questions, offered me his bottle of water, and agreed to let my friend Rachel take a photo of us together.
In his long pale fingers, he held a few stapled pages—his script for the evening—which he soon turned his attention to, reviewing his lines as the show began, and now and again nodding off.
I, however, remained wide awake. I found it thoroughly enjoyable to watch and listen to Adrian Lukis transform himself into not only Mr. Wickham, but also Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth and even Mr. Collins. He really is talented, as is his costar, Caroline Langrishe, who capably performed all the female roles.
Photo credit: Karen Schurrer
When the time came, Adrian Lukis announced that they were to be joined by an honored guest. Mr. Whitrow rose a bit unsteadily and walked forward to join the performers already on stage. For the first time others in the audience realized, as I had already done, the treasure we had among us. His frailty as he 
made his way up the steps was evident and touching. Mr. Lukis kindly and gently helped him onto the stage. “Mr. Bennet” delivered his first few lines in a thin, reedy voice, but as the audience responded, his voice strengthened and he performed his part admirably. He reenacted some favorite lines from Pride and Prejudice, like: “You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They have been my old friends these twenty years at least.”
Then, after receiving generous applause, he gingerly descended the steps and sat next to me again, but his role was not quite finished. During one of the 
soprano’s final numbers, he stood up and said, “That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough.” As you can imagine, that brought a rousing round of laughter and more applause from an appreciative audience.
Before I said goodbye to him that night, I took his hand and said, “God bless you.” I am glad I did.
Benjamin Whitrow died on September 28th, 2017, aged 80. The news of his
passing would have struck a sad blow to my heart no matter when it occurred, but how much more poignant to hear the news when I had met and talked to the man only a few weeks before. I am so thankful I had the opportunity.
God bless you, Mr. Bennet, and Godspeed.
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What a blessing for you to be able to meet Mr. Whitrow in such a meaningful way. Isn’t it wonderful how God arranges to bless us with things that only He could know how much would delight us? He does it to me all the time…
Wow, all I can say is wow. Thank you for sharing that amazing story.
Thank you for sharing this treasured moment. I’m so glad you had the chance to meet such a wonderful actor and gracious person. I was touched by the way he introduced himself to you, so unassuming. I know this will be a special memory to last a long time.
What a lovely story. I got a little tear in my eye. What a blessing that you were able to meet him before he passed. Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Thank you for sharing that lovely story. How exciting for you to be there, not to mention speaking with the gentle and kind “Mr. Bennet.” I watched P&P faithfully when it first was broadcast on A&E, and I own the DVD set and have watched it a couple of times since. I think it’s time I watched it again!
Blessings to you, and thank you!
Hilda
This is a beautiful account of such a lovely evening… a highlight of our trip, for sure. Sweet, Mr. Bennet!
What a poignant thing, Julie! I teared up reading it and then wept when I read that he’d passed away! What an unforgettable experience! Thank you for sharing it so beautifully with us!
He was a PERFECT Mr. Bennett! I adore his portrayal in the BBC version. I truly wish I could have been there in the audience that night. What a memory to treasure!
How sweet that you got to meet him before his passing. He is my favorite Mr. Bennett too, and like you, I watch his version of P&P about once a year. The absolute best version, IMHO, although I’ve probably seen them all multiple times.
Wow, Julie. What a gift God gave you to have this rare time with Mr. Bennett and connect with him personally!
What a poignant post! I loved Benjamin Whitrow in that role. He was so well cast that the part was almost written for him. What a wonderful opportunity for you that you will remember for many years to come. I am happy that you were able to attend that event.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
I was sad when I heard of his passing.
I thought of you immediately when I heard he had died, for I thought, “Goodness, Julie just got to sit next to him.” What a treat, and how poignant now. Thank you for this account of the evening.
I saw Mr Wickham (like you, I think this version of P&P is the best) in a play in a teeny theatre above a pub with just him and one other actor. I didn’t realize who he was until I got home and did some online searching! He was great in the play…
What a special memory for you. Thanks for sharing. I think he was an especially appropriate Mr. Bennet! Love that version!
Thank you for sharing this precious story. My 2 daughter’s and I watch Pride and Prejudice every year as well; sometimes more during Christmas break. No other rendition of P&P compares to the BBC version and Mr. Whitrow was just the best Mr. Bennett ever! So glad you got to meet him and spend a little time enjoying his company.
Oh, Julie – I didn’t know. He was a wonderful actor and the perfect Mr. Bennett. What a blessing to be able to meet him and sit next to him! Thanks for sharing that story!
Wow! What an experience! He was my favorite Mr. Bennet as well, as is the BBC production in general.
I felt that lose keenly. It was so sad to hear bc that Pride and Prejudice is watched so often in our house and we all love Mr. Bennett. Now, Mr. Wickham is a different story and I can’t well imagine him playing any other role. Glad you enjoyed that precious meeting.
Oh Julie! This post made me laugh, cry and then broke my heart! He has always been my favorite Mr. Bennett as well. Thank you for sharing these precious words and memories. Mary