Award-winning comedy duo LipService, makers of Withering Looks and Inspector Norse, celebrate Jane Austen’s life 200 years on in Mr Darcy Loses the Plot, which can be seen at the SJT next month.

Jane Austen sits writing, her quill scurrying across the vellum. She is dreaming up Darcy – a proud, lip-curling, handsome creation in very tight pants. But then a door squeaks, a visitor approaches and Jane must abandon her work. Now left to his own devices, Darcy embroiders his own storyline whilst his creator stitches her quilt. When Jane returns she finds the plot has moved on and Darcy is dancing to a different tune.

LipService are Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding, who have been writing and performing together since 1985. They have written 19 original comedies for the stage, had their own comedy series on BBC Radio 4, have made many appearances on TV, and won several awards, including the Stage Door Foundation Award for Excellence, two Critics Awards for Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe and a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award.

Directed by Mark Whitelaw, Mr Darcy Loses the Plot features quilt work created by community groups especially for this production – to get involved, visit www.lipservicetheatre.co.uk

It can be seen at the SJT at 7.15pm on Thursday, April 13,at 7.45pm on Friday, April 14 and at 2.45pm and 7.45pm on Saturday, April 15.

Tickets for Mr Darcy Loses the Plot are priced from £10 to £22, with £5 tickets available for those aged 16-25 or in full-time education, and can be booked via the box office on 01723 370541 or online at www.sjt.uk.com

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