Starring
Juliet Stevenson
star of screen, Truly, Madly Deeply, Emma, Bend It Like Beckham and stage - National Theatre, RSC, Almeida, Royal Court
and
Rachel Parris
Austentatious, Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report,
and author of Introducing Mrs Collins.
It is a truth universally acknowledged...
...that Jane Austen was one of the wittiest observers of human relationships and female friendships who ever put pen to parchment.
Jane Austen’s life story, from her own writing, woven with favourite moments from the immortal characters she created, including Elizabeth and Jane, Emma and Harriet, the Dashwood sisters, Mrs Bennet, and (hold on to your bonnets) Lady Catherine de Bourgh - not forgetting Mr Bennet, Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Mr Collins, and many more.
Set against a sparkling musical backdrop - that surprises as much as it delights - we invite you to loosen your stays, and enjoy this celebration of Austen’s wit, sharpness, and her sheer joy in the foibles of human behaviour.
By A Lady is (delightfully) performed by Juliet Stevenson and Rachel Parris
Jane Austen’s words are (respectfully) penned by Deirdre Shields and (graciously) directed by Judy Reaves.
The music is (mischievously) arranged by David Le Page (Violin)
and Nick Stringfellow (Cello)
Originally commissioned by, and presented at,
Stratford Literary Festival 2025.
and performed by Juliet Stevenson and Sally Phillips