The Mysterious Death of Miss Jane Austen

Posted by Robert on November 7, 2014 at 5:56pm

Twenty-six years have passed since the death of Jane Austen. Armed with a lock of Austen's hair as perhaps her best clue, Anne Sharp, former governess to the Austen family and Jane's close friend, has decided at last to tell her story-a story of family intrigues, shocking secrets, forbidden loves, and maybe even murder...

Perfect for fans of Death Comes to Pemberley, upon its publication in the UK, Lindsay Ashford's fictional interpretation of the few facts surrounding Jane Austen's mysterious death sparked an international debate and uproar. None of the medical theories offer a satisfactory explanation of Jane Austen's early demise at the age of forty-one. Could it be that what everyone has assumed was a death by natural causes was actually more sinister? Lindsay Ashford's vivid novel delves deep into Austen's world and puts forth a shocking suggestion-was someone out to silence her?

Written by Lindsay Ashford
Adapted by Eileen Horne and Andrew Davies

Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

The Mysterious Death of Miss Jane Austen.mp3

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Replies

  • cath bailey November 17, 2014 at 8:06am

    thank you

  • abby November 8, 2014 at 9:38am

    Thanks!

    • semoshorts > abby November 9, 2014 at 7:26am

      Thanks for sharing.

  • Anson (Bob) Roberts November 7, 2014 at 9:46pm

    An excellent play.

    A bit more info:

    CAST

    Jane ..... Elaine Cassidy
    Anne ..... Ruth Gemmell
    Henry ..... Rupert Evans
    Mrs Raike ..... Susan Brown
    Elizabeth ..... Lucy Robinson
    Cass ..... Jasmine Hyde
    Dr Sillar/Edward Molteni/Solicitor ..... Nick Murchie
    Rebecca/Mary/Receptionist ..... Lotte Rice
    Young Fanny ..... Eliza Harrison-Dine
    Older Fanny ..... Alana Ramsey

    The original five episodes:

    Episode 1: Mon 24 Feb 2014 (1/5)
    A lifelong friend discovers Jane may have been murdered and begins to present her case.

    Episode 2: Tue 25 Feb 2014 (2/5)
    Jane and Anne suspect adultery in the Austen family. Anne feels compelled to take action.

    Episode 3: Wed 26 Feb 2014 (3/5)
    At Jane's invitation, Anne goes with her new employer to Bath where more revelations await.

    Episode 4: Thu 27 Feb 2014 (4/5)
    Jane's novel is published and Anne's fortunes improve but bad news threatens Jane's health.

    Episode 5: Fri 28 Feb 2014 (5/5)
    Anne suspects that Jane was killed because she thwarted a murderer - very close to home.

    • Robert > Anson (Bob) Roberts November 7, 2014 at 10:13pm

      Thanks Bob, I really appreciate the added info, feel free to jump in anytime.

    • Anson (Bob) Roberts > Robert November 8, 2014 at 2:27pm

      Glad i could help1

This reply was deleted.