Jane Austen was born on December 16th 1775 at the rectory at Steventon, near Basingstoke. Except for a brief period of residence in Bath, she lived all her life in Hampshire, a county for which she held great affection.  

Jane’s formal education was completed by the age of eleven. By the time Jane was twenty, she had written three novels - Pride &  Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey. However, her first novel was not published until nearly twenty years after it was written.

Award winning Phoenix Theatre (in association with Croft Productions) presents an elegant portrayal of the life of this well loved writer, including extracts from her letters and scenes from some of her best loved novels including Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion

“Our audience were delighted by the experience, which was moving and realistic, bringing Jane’s character to life. A lovely performance.” Jane Austen House, Chawton

"Excellent first visit to our experimental studio conversion. Very well received." David Cooper, Kings Theatre, Southsea

" The reaction to the play has been terrific. I don't think anyone had seen actors switching characters with just a turn of a head before...So many happy satisdied customers, it was a real triumph for everyone." Linda Stephenson, St Margaret's Parish Centre, Luton

This entertaining and lively full length production is suitable for performances in theatres, arts centres, village halls, libraries, schools and museums. The actors are also happy to lead a discussion workshop after the performance if required.

For further details contact: Jane Dawes, Director, Phoenix Theatre, Station Road, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0LR. Tel 01420 472664 or email (www.phoenixarts.co.uk). For Croft Productions contact John Dunne Tel 0207 226 0524 or email