LUDLOW Assembly Rooms presents a captivating evening in celebration of the ever-popular Jane Austen that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the great writer’s life and work.

Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson (Animal Farm, 12 Angry Men) returns to the Assembly Rooms to direct the critically acclaimed Austen’s Women – a one woman performance that sheds a new light on many much-loved classics from the Austen canon.

The play, performed by Rebecca Vaughan, brings to life 13 of Austen’s heroines including Emma Woodhouse, Lizzy Bennet, Mrs Norris, Miss Bates and nine other beautifully observed women.

These characters, some of the most celebrated in English literature, defined sex, class and society during Austen’s time. Moving from scenes of high comedy to profound pathos, Austen’s Women presents a glorious distillation of 19th century feminism and speaks volumes about love, friendship and notorious improprieties.

If you’re not familiar with Austen’s work or would like to learn more about the period, Christopher Sandrawich from the West Midlands Jane Austen Society will present a lively and entertaining free pre-show talk, delving into his recent research on food and society in Austen’s era.

“Austen’s Women has been a huge success internationally and at the Edinburgh Festival," comments Selina Cross of Ludlow Assembly Rooms, "so we’re absolutely thrilled to bring such a high quality piece of theatre to south Shropshire.”

Austen's Women is at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, September 17 at 8pm, with pre-show talk, Food and Society in Austen's Era at 7pm.

To book, call the box office on 01584 878141 or visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk