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Jane and Anne suspect adultery in the Austen family. Anne feels compelled to take action. Stars Elaine Cassidy and Ruth Gemmell.

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 least to tell her story-a story of family intrigues, shocking secrets, forbidden loves, and maybe even murder.

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 offers a satisfactory explanation of Jane Austen's early demise at the age of 41. 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?

Andrew Davies, who has a phenomenal track record in adaptation, has collaborated with Eileen Horne in recent years, first as writer and producer on a new TV version of Room with a View (2007) and as writer and editor on The Purple Land for Radio 4 (2011).

Written by Lindsay Ashford
Adapted by Eileen Horne and Andrew Davies

Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

15 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Jane Elaine Cassidy
Anne Ruth Gemmell
Henry Rupert Evans
Mrs Raike Susan Brown
Elizabeth Lucy Robinson
Cass Jasmine Hyde
Dr Sillar Nick Murchie
Edward Molteni Nick Murchie
Solicitor Nick Murchie
Rebecca Lotte Rice
Receptionist Lotte Rice
Mary Lotte Rice
Young Fanny Eliza Harrison-Dine
Older Fanny Alana Ramsey
Director Clive Brill
Producer Clive Brill
Adaptor Eileen Horne
Adaptor Andrew Davies
Author Lindsay Ashford

Broadcasts

  • Tue 25 Feb 2014 10:45
  • Tue 25 Feb 2014 19:45
  • Tue 14 Aug 2018 14:30
  • Wed 15 Aug 2018 02:30

大象传媒 writersroom - Adapting the novel for radio

Eileen Horne on working with Andrew Davies, and some unlikely help with dialogue.

Audio Books

Audio Books

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