News for Austen Enthusiasts: June 2024

The summer of sport is upon us, with the Euros, Wimbledon, and soon the Olympics to grace our TV screens. For those of us less athletically inclined (not that I mean to generalise), it's the season of good reading, whether you're doing it out by the pool, or in the comfort of your own home. Regardless of what you're up to this summer, we hope it involves a bit of a break, and a good Jane Austen novel. Here is all the Jane Austen news and updates from June: 

Adrian Lukis reprised his role as Mr Wickham in his self-penned one-man show, Being Mr Wickham. The show, which we've been keeping tabs on for a while here at the Jane Austen News, had another run in London last month at the Jermyn Theatre. In the play, Lukis plays an older Wickham, looking back at his life and career, reflecting on his cad-ish ways, including the events of Pride and Prejudice. Now, the reviews are in! 

Read the London Pub Theatres review >>

Though most of the Jane Austen news out of Winchester Cathedral of late has been regarding the controversial plans to install a statue of the author in the cathedral's grounds. However, there has been some less fraught news this month; an embroidered kneeler dedicated to the author has been completed for use in the cathedral. Inspired by the work of  Louise Pesel and Sybil Blunt, who were highly respected in the early 20th century for their embroidery work, and funded by author Tracy Chevalier, the kneeler will become part of the cathedral furnishings later this year, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth in 2025. 

Regency Week has returned to Alton, Hampshire for its 15th year. The festival, which celebrates all things Regency, featured nine days of workshops and events, including workshops, a Regency Day with horse and carriage rides, guided walks, dancing workshops, and a Regency picnic at Chawton House. The festivities culminated on June 30 with a Regency supper at Jane Austen’s House. 

Read more at the Alton Herald >>

Donald Sutherland passes away at 88

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has passed away at 88. The actor played Mr Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In an article for the Jane Austen blog, our editor Ellen reflects on his interpretation of the character. 

The hotly anticipated second half of the third season of Bridgerton has dropped on Netflix, to somewhat mixed reviews. The bad news is that unsatisfied viewers are going to have to wait quite some time to find out what happens next, with the show-runner confirming that writing and shooting a new season is a 'two-year process.'

The winner of the 2024 Women's Prize for Fiction has been announced as Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshanathan, alongside the first winner of the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction, Doppelganger by Naomi Klein. The awards seek to recognise the best writing by women across both fiction and non-fiction, something we think Jane Austen would have loved if she could be here today.

AS ALWAYS, WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW IF WE HAVE MISSED ANYTHING, AS WELL AS ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEWS! 

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