“Cheer from Chawton: A Jane Austen Family Theatrical”
"The play's premise is an ingenious one."
Sue Hughes, Editor, Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine
The scene: Chawton Great House, Hampshire, England—home of Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Austen Knight.
The time: December 1815, on the eve of the publication of Emma.
The plot: In the tradition of home theatricals
held during her childhood at Steventon rectory, Jane Austen has prepared
an entertainment for her family in which her siblings are to take part
with her as performers. She expects to begin playing Mrs. Bennet (from
Pride and Prejudice), to her brother James’s Mr. Bennet. But her
family has played a trick on her: they have left Jane to tackle an unrehearsed
solo performance. They provide her with a list of topics quizzing
her on her life, her writing, and the inspiration behind her work. These
serve as the springboard for a most enjoyable evening, filled with Jane’s
pointed observations on her family, friends, suitors, and society, as
well as her own hilarious early efforts as an author.