Saturday 15th November

8pm

£7.50 (£5 U16)

Jane Austen understood the role of dancing in society as Sir William says in Pride and Prejudice 'What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! -- There is nothing like dancing after all. -- I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies."

The audience for Saturday night's production of "The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen" by the Dorset Corset Theatre Company at the Marine Theatre was saddened on hearing the company had been forced to cancel their new production owing to serious illness in the company. Fortunately some members of the company will stay after the dance workshop in the afternoon to participate in the evening’s entertainment. Margie Barbour, who is managing the weekend for the Marine Theatre, didn't want to disappoint the audience, especially as many people were coming to Lyme Regis especially for a weekend of Jane Austen activities. So together with some of the cast she is mounting "An Evening of Dance and Delights at the Assembly Rooms" which will be an evening of entertainment that Jane Austen would have recognised.

There will be Playford dancing, for as Jane also said in Pride and Prejudice, "To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love". The evening will include many of the dances that you can learn in the afternoon at "May I have the Pleasure...”. There will also be some programmed contributions of songs, musical interludes and readings from Jane Austen's letters and books. The audience will have an opportunity to contribute if they feel moved, as all Janites will recognise the necessity of being able to make your own entertainment.  Miss Helen Coombs, an accomplished harpsichord player, has most kindly steeped into the breach, and  will accompany all the talented local singers. They will be offering Jane's own favourite songs like "The Irishman" which her lost love Tom Lafroy introduced her to; Hayden's "The Highland Laddie" and a lively piece "Hooly and Fairly."

And although Jane herself did say "There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" this evening aims to disprove that thought with a lively mixture of activities, contributions and all done in the Jane Austen style. The audience are welcome to dress in the Regency style if they so wish but there is no need to do so, but the ladies may choose to wear long dresses.. Tickets are available at the Marine Theatre ticket office, the Lyme Tourist Information office 01297 442138 or at the door for £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for under 16s.