Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel

Comedy (improv)

  • Accessibility:
    Captioning
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

The smash-hit West End comedy, as heard on BBC Radio 4, celebrates its 10th glorious year at the Fringe! The all-star cast (featuring Rachel Parris, Graham Dickson, Cariad Lloyd and more) improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel every show, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment – it's a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed. 'Hilariously bold, wickedly funny' ***** (Times). 'One of the most enjoyable 60 minutes on the Fringe' **** (Guardian).

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General venue access

  • Captioning
  • Accessible entry: Information not supplied
  • Wheelchair access type: Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


Captioned performances

  • Dates: 11 August
  • Type: Open
  • Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating locations or if booking a unit is required.

How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
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  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Michael Goodwin-Grist 42 days ago

A HAT STAND-ING OVATION!

Improv can sometimes be messy and self-indulgent. However, with Austentatious you will not find that by limiting themselves to the world of Austen the performers are able to pay homage and parody our collective consciousness of what we think of when it comes to Austen. A thoroughly good time. Would see again.

JB 42 days ago

This was my first time seeing Austentatious live and I managed to hit an absolute jackpot of a show. Barbie Goes to Pemberley might be my most favourite improv show I've ever seen.
The acting? The references? The plot? Incredible. I still chuckle at the memory of it.

Grace 43 days ago

I've been wanting to see Austentatious for years so I was pleased that I was finally able to and that the show wasn't a disappointment! Based on a suggestion from the audience, our improvised novel was 'Baths and Bathtimes' which included characters such as the famous Salt sisters who own a bath product empire, a poor brother and sister who are desperate for social status boosting hats and a creepy guy called the Hat Man who bribes the brother with hats to help him win the affections of one of the Salt sisters. Despite the excellently silly storyline, I felt like they captured Jane Austen's wittiness and the main themes of her novels really well. Overall it was a very fun and enjoyable watch and I'd definitely like to go and see it again since of course the show is different every time!

Ian Sorensen 48 days ago

Saw the show on Mon 7th when the chosen (by audience roar) title was "The Size Of His Estate". This led to an entertaining foray into the dark world of double entendre which went over well with the crowd. Having seen Austentatious before I was delighted by how fresh and original the improvised play was. The performers were clearly having a ball and played off each other well. No scenes dragged on too long and the story was wrapped up very neatly in the time. My one niggle was the presence of the fiddle player, adding "atmosphere" throughout. I don't like the sound of the violin at the best of times and I don't think he added much to the show.

Peter 49 days ago

Well, some people thought it was funny. It caused me to smile occasionally. It needs to be a lot louder, we kept missing the ends of sentences.

Ian Graham 51 days ago

What a delightful show! Great improv skills from a witty, pretty and funny ensemble cast! If you’re looking for a lovely show to go to, look no further!

Nick Tyler 51 days ago

The excellent title of Elizabeth Benn(d)et Like Beckham led to an amazing show about football and freedom and ridiculousness. I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to catch the show because it’s ace. It’s exactly the kind of improv I enjoy which doesn’t take itself too seriously (though never at the expense of breaking the show) in which the performers are confident in messing about with each other and all plainly having the very best fun.

Paul Lawrence 52 days ago

One of the sharpest and funniest things I’ve seen over the years. It’s a must see.

Briony Russell 52 days ago

Absolutely hilarious!! Actors and characters were all totally brilliant!! A fringe highlight for sure. Would watch again.

Sabine Maes 54 days ago

Really enjoyed their completely improvised play! The actors are so sharp and talented, and the violist ties the story together. Really good show!

Victoria & Sophie Isbister 54 days ago

Really enjoyed. Sharp improve + creativity, responsive to each other, entertaining, supportive collaboration. Decent story since there was no preparation ! Drew plot strands together. They knew when to stop a scene + move things on.

Hunter Logan 55 days ago

Hilarious. These improvisers are incredibly skilled and somehow tell a complete story (albeit absurd) while cracking you up. Underrated is the violinist, who sets the tone for the scene and always pulls the performers back to the period setting. A bit expensive for just an hour, but definitely worth seeing (and seeing again)!


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Gonzo Magazine (4.5/5 stars) 42 days ago

I didn’t stop laughing once.

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The Student (5/5 stars) 50 days ago

Austentatious is always different, always delightful, hilarious and clever, and always worth a watch.

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The Recs (5/5 stars) 50 days ago

You will gasp and hoot at the brilliant comedy timing and boundless imagination as the talented performers weave a chaotic, hilariously convoluted, laugh-out-loud Georgian yarn.

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The Wee Review (5/5 stars) 50 days ago

The cast clearly have fun on stage, and that translates

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North West End UK (5/5 stars) 51 days ago

Wonderful wit and comedic timing.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.