If you’re looking for a bit of a laugh to cure the January blues then you simply must check out Austentatious at The Old Market. Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel has been called ‘one of the most talked-about shows on the UK comedy scene and has been called “One of the most enjoyable shows on the fringe” by The Guardian. What is it? It’s a comedy play in the style of Jane Austen, however, it is based entirely on audience suggestions. 100% improvised, the play is performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment.
After winning a Chortle award and doing a second sell-out national tour as well as appearances on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 Extra, the seasoned cast are heading to our beloved Brighton and Hove for a two-night stretch. Based on nothing more than a title from the audience, you can guarantee that no play will be the same. At every show they ask the audience to write down a Jane Austen-esque title to create the story around, past show titles have included Man-Filled Park, Pride and UKIP, Breaking Cad: Meth Comes to Pemberley, Die Hard With a Virtue, and Snakes on a Horse Drawn Carriage. Whether you are a hard-core Austen fan, have never even read Pride and Prejudice or even if you’re just a fan of the film, this show is guaranteed to make you cry laughing. Imagine your next dinner party when you tell your guests you saw the Jane Austen play ‘Northanger Rabbi’.
Austentatious has received rave reviews, beign described as “highly impressive…they’re all hugely talented performers, able to keep the gag rate high and the made-up story rollicking along”. You can buy tickets, and see a preview, here.
all images belong to Richard Davenport
Holly Martin
