Journey through time

Miriam Wood, left, Melissa Musselwhite and Jocelyn Mackay will help bring The Jane Austen Experience to life at Ceres Temperance Hall. (Ivan Kemp) 474277_07

Jane Austen was born 250 years ago, with a new performance celebrating the life and works of the popular novelist near Geelong.

Theatre of the Winged Unicorn will bring The Jane Austen Experience to Ceres Temperance Hall from Friday, May 2, transporting audiences into historic and classic settings.

Cast member Miriam Pohlenz said the performance featured scenes from five of Jane Austen’s well-known novels, including Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Persuasion.

“A lot of people coming, will be familiar with Jane Austen, but we’re also hoping to attract others who aren’t as familiar with her work, and this is a real taster,” she said.

“How she describes unremarkable people in everyday situations and the tensions between the characters, it’s just so funny. She’s just so clever and crafts her work so beautifully.

“The pros are so beautifully constructed, and you see those tensions between the characters. It doesn’t matter which piece or section of a novel you’re presenting; it’s so clever, witty, and funny.”

An ensemble of 10 actors will help bring the performance to life alongside beautifully inspired consumes and set designs.

Ms Pohlenz said Jane Austen never sought fame, recognition or celebrity, with her name not appearing on her books until after her death at 41 years old in 1817.

Tickets to The Jane Austen Experience are limited. Visit trybooking.com/CYJTN to book a seat and be transported through time before the performance wraps up on May 18.

Jena Carr