The Jane Austen Fan Club
It’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! So we’re celebrating with a new show, workshop programme, and mass community embroidery project - all exploring why the OG feminist writer is still relevant in 2025.
Supported by Lighthouse Poole, Forest Forge Theatre Company and Arts Council England, Victoria Briggs and Lucy Mellors are creating a touring show and participatory arts project to mark 250 years of Jane Austen.
More about the show…
A couple of superfans are hosting the first meeting of the local Jane Austen Fan Club, and you're invited! With books, bonnets - and a lifesize cardboard cutout of Colin Firth - we're celebrating everything we love about the original feminist icon.
Weaving together the world of Austen's classic novels with an exploration of gender, relationships and money today. As we gather to celebrate Jane's 250th birthday, we're asking: how much has really changed for women in 250 years?
You can expect high drama, breathless romance, and some banging tunes (played on the recorder). All are welcome at the local meeting of the Jane Austen Fan Club - whether you're a superfan, or have never heard of her.
More about the participatory project…
As part of research and development, we have collaborated with groups of (predominantly) women&girls across the South. Thank you to Forest Forge Youth Theatre, Forest Forge Young Company, Forest Forge Act Your Age, Gosport Creates, ArtfulScribe, Ringwood School, Godolphin School, Wiltshire Creative Mind the Gap, Wiltshire Creative Dance Six-0, and Mayflower Studios Young Company.
There will be more workshops in the future - so watch this space!
Embroidery workshops…
Supported by Culture in Common and Arts Council England, we will be piloting Austen-inspired ‘Cake, Craft & Chat’ workshops at Forest Forge in Ringwood. A chance to have a go at embroidery, eat some cake, and chat…about Jane Austen and the themes of the show…or just about what your favourite cake is - you decide!
Workshops are free for adults and young people aged 14+. All materials will be provided.
Book Wed 23 April 2-4pm
Book Wed 23 April 7-9pm