‘How eloquent could Anne Elliot have been! how eloquent, at least, were her wishes on the side of early warm attachment, and a cheerful confidence in futurity, against that over-anxious caution which seems to insult exertion and distrust Providence! She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.’

Our popular ‘Reading Aloud’ evenings take inspiration from Jane Austen’s own habit of reading her own works to family and friends in the Drawing Room of Jane Austen’s House.

 This event will focus on Jane’s quiet and autumnal novel, Persuasion. As part of a small and exclusive audience, you’ll settle down for a sensitive and acute reading by actors Hollie Hales and Adam Cunis – bringing Jane Austen’s beloved story to life.

As a master of dialogue, Jane Austen’s works are best enjoyed out loud, and this delightful performance will bring the characters alive in the very room in which Jane gave voice to them herself.

After the reading, we’ll enjoy a drinks in the Historic Kitchen and toast our inimitable and extraordinary authoress.

Details:
Date: 19 September
Performance times: 6pm – 7pm OR 7.45pm – 8.45pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £35

☕ This event includes refreshments, please let us know on booking if you have any dietary requirements.

 This event is part of our Persuasion Festival, running from 12 – 21 September 2025

About the performers:

Hollie Hales trained at RADA. Her recent audio work includes Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney, Bookishly Ever After by Mia Page (Audible) and Charles Dickens: A Brain on Fire “The Gordon Riots” podcast.

Adam Cunis’s recent work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bridge Theatre), Macbeth Storytelling (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse) and The Woman in the Moon (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse).