About the Show
A costumed, rehearsed reading of short, comic adaptations of Austen’s six novels.
You are cordially invited to a celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday this year to share in the romance, wit and charm of all six of Austen’s novels – staged in 90 minutes!
Performed script-in-hand by a professional cast, Austen’s famous stories are faithfully retold by Sydenham-based theatre company Spontaneous Productions as you’ve never seen them before. Expect a comically condensed, whirlwind celebration of her entire work adapted especially for a 21st century audience. With much switching of bonnets!
Adapted by our creative director Jonathan Kaufman, playwright Lucy Kaufman, script consultant Jane Walker, and members of our ScriptHub writing workshop, the short playlets will bring to life some of Literature’s most beloved books: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Featuring a cast of Spontaneous regulars, this highly entertaining event will also include a potted biography of Jane Austen herself.
Photos from our previous production ENDURANCE and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR DICKENS at St Bart’s Church by Mark Drinkwater
The Credits
- Written by Darren Bird, Jonathan Kaufman, Lucy Kaufman, Ida Tidy and Jane Walker
- Directed and produced by Jonathan Kaufman
- Costume designer & associate producer Jackie Poulett
- Graphic design Jan Warren
- Photography Mark Drinkwater
Time & Place
November 2025, St Barts Church Sydenham
Suitable for adults and older children
The Cast
The Audience Reviews
Audience comments and reviews from previous productions:
- “We saw your impressive production of Endurance last night. It was the first time we’d seen any of your productions and I want to make sure I don’t miss your next one.”
- “A truly innovative and imaginative telling of the Endurance story. Very well acted, great interplay across the roles. Well done”
- “Spontaneous Productions is the National Theatre of SE26. Always surprising, always impressive, always entertaining.’ Matthew Sweet, author and broadcaster
- “That was wonderful! Amazing! A brilliant illustration of her life, superb direction” (Carl Packman, review of Eleanor Marx: The Jewess of Jews Walk)
- “A fascinating life, beautifully told! Well done Spontaneous Productions!” (audience comment Eye of Day: The Mata Hari Story)
Time & Place
November 2025, St Barts Church Sydenham
Suitable for adults and older children
About the Show
A costumed, rehearsed reading of short, comic adaptations of Austen’s six novels.
You are cordially invited to a celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday this year to share in the romance, wit and charm of all six of Austen’s novels – staged in 90 minutes!
Performed script-in-hand by a professional cast, Austen’s famous stories are faithfully retold by Sydenham-based theatre company Spontaneous Productions as you’ve never seen them before. Expect a comically condensed, whirlwind celebration of her entire work adapted especially for a 21st century audience. With much switching of bonnets!
Adapted by our creative director Jonathan Kaufman, playwright Lucy Kaufman, script consultant Jane Walker, and members of our ScriptHub writing workshop, the short playlets will bring to life some of Literature’s most beloved books: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Featuring a cast of Spontaneous regulars, this highly entertaining event will also include a potted biography of Jane Austen herself.
Photos from our previous production ENDURANCE and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR DICKENS at St Bart’s Church by Mark Drinkwater
The Cast
The Credits
- Written by Darren Bird, Jonathan Kaufman, Lucy Kaufman, Ida Tidy and Jane Walker
- Directed and produced by Jonathan Kaufman
- Costume designer & associate producer Jackie Poulett
- Graphic design Jan Warren
- Photography Mark Drinkwater
The Audience Reviews
Audience comments and reviews from previous productions:
- “We saw your impressive production of Endurance last night. It was the first time we’d seen any of your productions and I want to make sure I don’t miss your next one.”
- “A truly innovative and imaginative telling of the Endurance story. Very well acted, great interplay across the roles. Well done”
- “Spontaneous Productions is the National Theatre of SE26. Always surprising, always impressive, always entertaining.’ Matthew Sweet, author and broadcaster
- “That was wonderful! Amazing! A brilliant illustration of her life, superb direction” (Carl Packman, review of Eleanor Marx: The Jewess of Jews Walk)
- “A fascinating life, beautifully told! Well done Spontaneous Productions!” (audience comment Eye of Day: The Mata Hari Story)