AN ART group based in the village of Magor is undertaking an unusual commission to paint historic portraits for a stage play.

Newport Playgoers Society are bringing Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Janet Munsil, to the stage of a city centre theatre soon.

There is a scene included when Elizabeth Bennet walks through Mr Darcy’s gallery on a tour of his ancestral home, which required numerous portraits of characters.

Art teacher, Alison Heard, and her community art group came to the rescue.

Ms Heard said: “It’s a great challenge for my pupils.

“I took photos of the actors playing Darcy, Wickham and Georgiana in costumes kindly donated by Marigold Costumes in Cardiff.

“Then, we spent our weekly art sessions studying their features and building-up the portraits to make them as realistic as possible. All of the artists had a chance to work on each of the pieces, so it has been a work of collaboration.”

Ms Heard, who has a degree in Fine Art from the University of Glamorgan, did a lot of research into paintings from the Regency period to make sure the hair, clothes and colours are all painted in the style of the time.

“I really enjoyed this,” she added.

“Although I’ve produced murals and mosaics, this is the first time I’ve done stage painting work. It’s been great fun and we’re all learning from the experience.”

“Although I’ve produced murals and mosaics, this is the first time I’ve done stage painting work.

“It’s been great fun and we’re all learning from the experience.”

The art students have also enjoyed helping create props for the production.

Sharanne Basham-Pyke, from Newport, said: “It’s really therapeutic. You can’t think about anything else when you’re painting. You just focus on what you’re doing.

“I can’t wait to see our work in Pride and Prejudice.

“We’ve really enjoyed working in the theatre and meeting all the actors.

“I’m bringing all my friends and family to see the play.”

Beginner, Claire Dutson from Magor, added: “I have a busy job with an engineering consultancy in Bristol, so it’s great to switch off and relax with the art group.

“We have social nights too. We’ve been to see a few films together, so we’ve all become good friends.”

Art Club Social meet on Thursdays in Magor.

They have a Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/584676745215146/

Patty James, a carer and balloon decorator from Underwood, praised the classes, saying: “I last did an art class at university, so it was a bit scary to take the first step back to it, but I really love it now. I just go with the flow,”

Pride and Prejudice will be at Newport’s Dolman Theatre from May 14 to May 18.

Tickets are £12.50 or £8.50 concessions.

Book yours by visiting dolmantheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01633 263670.