Thirteen of Jane Austen’s heroines come to life in Austen’s Women Wednesday 2 March at The Old Courthouse Antrim and Friday 4 March at Theatre at The Mill Newtownabbey.

In a solo performance of extraordinary virtuosity – using only Austen’s words – actor Rebecca Vaughan answers this question by boldly revisiting the most rewarding moments from all six major novels – including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma – plus those in lesser known works such as Austen’s Juvenilia and the unfinished Sanditon.

Jane Austen created some of literature’s most celebrated characters, defining her era, sex and class.  Two hundred years on, her works continue to speak for the yearning heart as much as they did when they were written – so just how much has really changed for women since?

In scenes of high comedy and profound pathos, Vaughan deconstructs the souls of Emma Woodhouse, Lizzy Bennet, Mrs Norris, Miss Bates and nine other beautifully observed women.  Divorced from their historical context (and in the absence of their men), these women present a glorious distillation of 19th century feminism and speak volumes about love, friendship, and notorious improprieties.

Austen’s Women was a sell-out success at Edinburgh 2009 & 2013, as well as Adelaide 2010.  It is adapted and performed by Rebecca Vaughan whose

I, Elizabeth and Female Gothic were five-star successes in Edinburgh 2010 and 2012 respectively.  It is directed by Guy Masterson, whose credits include Scaramouche Jones and the Olivier Award-winning Morecambe.

This brilliant, illuminating and – above all – entertaining evocation of Jane Austen’s works is a treat for Austen lovers and the perfect primer for the uninitiated.

★★★★★ ‘Truly extraordinary… one of the most exciting performers on the British Stage’ British Theatre Guide

Tickets available from £12 at Box Office 028 9034 0202 or 028 9446 3113 or online www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk