INTRODUCING SHAKE-SCENE CLASSICS:
Founded in 2017 by Linda Mathis, Valentina Vinci and Lizzie Conrad Hughes, Shake-Scene Shakespeare has built a reputation for vibrant productions that combine traditional rehearsal practices with bold interpretations and inclusive, gender- and race-blind casting.
After devoting nearly a decade to performing works by Shakespeare, Shake-Scene is delighted to launch Shake-Scene Classics, to apply our cue-based practice to other works of the British literary canon.
We will begin with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen adapted by our associate playwright, Joanna Alexandra Norland, author of Lizzy, Darcy and Jane.
Our launch commences with two special virtual events hosted by Jane Austen’s House, taking place in December 2025 and January 2026. Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to join us in celebration.
MR COLLINS PROPOSES
Featured in:
Jane Austen’s Virtual Birthday Party hosted by Jane Austen’s House
Shake-Scene is delighted to contribute to Jane Austen’s Virtual Birthday Party with “Mr. Collins Proposes,” a taster scene from Pride & Prejudice: A Play on Jane Austen’s Words by Joanna Norland.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
Jane Austen’s Virtual Birthday Party
Tuesday December 16, 2025, 8pm – 9.15pm (GMT)
This event will take place online. Join in from the comfort of your own home. Regency dress, optional but recommended!
Tickets: £10.00
Purchase here
PRIDE & PREJUDICE: A PLAY ON JANE AUSTEN’S WORDS BY JOANNA NORLAND, PERFORMED BY SHAKE-SCENE THEATRE COMPANY
Featured in:
Pride & Prejudice Festival hosted by Jane Austen’s House
Join Shake-Scene as we unveil our 50-minute online adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless love story, Pride and Prejudice: A Play on Jane Austen’s Words, adapted by Joanna Norland.
With text derived almost entirely from the sparkling original, Norland has sculpted Austen’s episodic plot into a taut dramatic arc enlivened by modern stage conventions.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
Jane Austen’s House Pride & Prejudice Festival
Tuesday January 27, 2026, 8–9.15pm (GMT)
This event will take place online. Join in from the comfort of your own home.
Tickets: £7.00
Purchase here
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More info about the festival can be found here
Shake-Scene Classics Associate Playwright:
JOANNA NORLAND:
Shake-Scene Theatre’s associate playwright, Joanna Norland, is the author of Lizzy, Darcy and Jane, Mothers Have Nine Lives and Cycle, which have been produced off Broadway, NY, in London, and throughout the US, the UK, Australia and South Africa.
Joanna is an East Sussex-based writing coach, working independently and for Starcroft Farm Cabins writing retreats. She has a JD from Yale Law School, an M.Phil in history and philosophy of science from King's College Cambridge, and a BA in English and History from Brown University.
