Rachel Parris and Doon Mackichan star in By A Lady – The Life and Wit of Jane Austen

Doon Mackichan and Rachel Parris, two of Britain’s finest comedy actors, come to Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) on Tuesday 9 June. They’re set to bring Austen and her immortal characters to life in a delicious show that celebrates Jane Austen’s life in her own words.

By A Lady stars two of our best-loved actors: Doon Mackichan: Smack the Pony, Toast of London, Plebs, National Theatre’s Summerfolk, and Rachel Parris: Austentatious, Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen was one of the wittiest observers of human relationships, and female friendships, who ever put pen to parchment. By A Lady tells Austen’s life story from her own writing, woven with favourite moments from the immortal characters she created, including Elizabeth and Jane, Emma and Harriet, the Dashwood sisters, Mrs Bennet, and (hold on to your bonnets) Lady Catherine de Bourgh – not forgetting Mr Bennet, Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Mr Collins, and many more.  

Set against a sparkling musical backdrop that surprises as much as it delights, we invite you to loosen your stays, and enjoy this celebration of Austen’s wit, sharpness, and sheer delight in the foibles of human behaviour.

Jane Austen’s words are (respectfully) penned by Deirdre Shields, with music (mischievously) arranged by David Le Page (Violin) and Nick Stringfellow (Cello). By A Lady is (graciously) directed by Judy Reaves.

By A Lady – the Life and Wit of Jane Austen plays at Theatre by the Lake Tuesday 9 June. Tickets are available here.