The 23rd Jane Austen Festival at The Mission Theatre
Click here to learn more about the festival and book tickets, or read more about the events going on at The Mission Theatre below!
Wednesday 18th September
That’s Not Pemberley… But Does It Matter?
11:30 (duration 1hr 30mins)
Tickets: £13
We all sigh watching Jane Austen adaptations when scenes set in Bath have clearly been filmed in Dublin or Rosings doesn’t quite match what we imagine it to be. Join Dr Amy Frost in an exploration of the inaccuracies of buildings and locations in Austen adaptations and for a lively discussion about if it really matters when they get it ‘wrong’.
Singing with Jane Austen – Workshop
14:00 (duration 1hr 30mins)
Tickets £25
Regency Rum Bluffers will lead an energetic and engaging group singing workshop with songs heard in Jane Austen’s lifetime. Participants will sing as a group a variety of songs including nursery rhymes, love songs and a song written by Jane’s music teacher. There is no need to read music, we will teach you everything by ear and lyrics will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
Honours of the Table
19:00 (duration 2 hours)
Tickets £15
Mr Adams, butler in a grand Regency house, has been ‘in service’ for many years. Paying particular attention to the etiquette associated with sitting to table and the ‘art’ of dining he explains and demonstrates the complex process of setting the table for dinner. The presentation is set in the year 1812 and supported by a very considerable range of silver, porcelain, and domestic items.
Thursday 19th September
Race For an Heir
10:00 (duration 1 hour)
Tickets £13
Back by popular demand after her brilliant look at Regency Funerals in 2023; Maggie Barton returns to the Festival with an entertaining and interactive talk on the Georgian dynasty. Come and hear their stories, how the Regency period came into being and how the family was plunged into a frantic Race for an Heir.
Stand & Deliver! Desirable Dress Accessories in the Georgian Age
11:30 (duration 1 hour)
Tickets £13
Highwaymen have long exercised a grip on the romantic imagination, but why is this, and why were they considered a cut above common thieves? And what did these ‘Gentlemen of the Road’ take from their victims? Mark Wallis’ lively talk will answer these questions through the use of original objects from his collection which the audience is welcome to examine.
Pride & the Beast: The Jane Austen Fairytale
13:30 (duration 1 hour)
Tickets £13
Monstrous, misunderstood men who own beautiful houses, young girls in red cloaks who fall prey to wolves in disguise, fathers who fall on hard times and let down their daughters, the plotlines of famous fairy tales, or themes within Pride and Prejudice? This talk, by Jane Austen’s House Director Lizzie Dunford, will explore the presence and influence of classic literary fairy tales in Austen’s beloved novels and what these influences can tell us about her own reading.
Clementine
21:00 (duration 1 hour)
Tickets £17
Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find the one. When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously unhinged quest to solve the mystery of her ill fortune. But with neither sense nor sensibility, will our romantic heroine find love in time? @rosalieminnitt
One of The Guardian's Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2023. - Telegraph's Funniest Shows of the Fringe 2023 & 2024. - Skinny 2024 Ultimate Comedy Recs. - 'Absolutely barnstorming' ★★★★ (Telegraph) - 'Hilarious and heartwarming' ★★★★ (Time Out)
'Painstakingly crafted and brilliantly performed' ★★★★ (Chortle.co.uk)★★★★★ (BroadwayWorld.com)★★★★★ (TheatreWeekly.com)
Just like Christian Brighty’s show, this is not viewers of a delicate disposition!
This performance is only suitable for viewers aged 18+ as it may contain scenes of a sexual nature & language. The Jane Austen Festival takes no responsibility for anyone swooning for lack of smelling salts; you have been warned!