Presented by Hambletts Productions
Starring Juliet Stevenson, star of screen – Truly, Madly Deeply, Emma, Bend It Like Beckham and stage – National Theatre, RSC, Almeida, Royal Court, and Rachel Parris – Austentatious, Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report, and author of Introducing Mrs Collins.
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 Jane 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.
From the same creative team who brought GEORGE Eliot in Words and Music and Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words and Music to Wilton’s.
By A Lady is (delightfully) performed by Juliet Stevenson and Rachel Parris. Jane Austen’s words are (respectfully) penned by Deirdre Shields. Music (mischievously) arranged by David Le Page (Violin), and Nick Stringfellow (Cello). By A Lady is (graciously) directed by Judy Reaves.
Originally commissioned by, and presented at, Stratford Literary Festival 2025.
Juliet Stevenson and Rachel Parris appear subject to availability.


