Image courtesy of Chamber Opera Tours
The 2018 Jane Austen Festival at The Mission Theatre opened on Monday 17th September to full audiences, beautifully costumed and eager to learn more about the famous novelist’s life and history through a range of magnificent event, shows, talks and demonstrations.
Jane Austen Festival Stewards at The Mission Theatre
Audience members enjoying Georgian etiquette with Lynette White
Attendees have been spoilt for choice this year, with Festival Director, Jackie Herring putting together another outstanding programme of events for the Festival’s 18th year. From hands-on apothecary - John White - to all the do’s and don’ts of Georgian etiquette; from how to cut and thrust with your cutlass, to fully-staged musicals and thought-provoking recitals. The first 4 days of the festival have been spectacular, and there are still 3 more days of exciting events to enjoy!
John White - ‘The Admiralty entertains…’
Without doubt one of the most memorable productions in this year’s festival must be Persuasion brought to The Mission for the second time by Chamber Opera Tours from Chicago. With the glamourous Barbara Landis playing Jane Austen/Anne Elliot in a production for which she is also the Playwright, Librettist and Musical Arranger, a company of over 40 talented actors and singers took to the stage accompanied by a 9 piece orchestra. For over 2 hours audiences were mesmerised by Barbara’s fresh take on Jane Austen’s famous novel and were delighted with the beautiful costumes and the setting which transformed The Mission’s versatile interior.
Barbara Landis as Jane Austen and Ryan de Ryke as Captain Wentworth in Persuasion
Cast of Persuasion 2018
