Jane Austen 250: An Evening with Rachel Parris - Nottingham

Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen with our special event.

We will be celebrating in style and sharing our love for Pride and Prejudice in all its forms with Rachel Parris, author of Introducing Mrs Collins and Eleanor Field, self-confessed Austen superfan.

After hearing Rachel talk about her new book, and discussing all the retellings, spin-offs, parodies and adaptations of the beloved Pride and Prejudice, you can get your book signed and indulge in some tea and cake.

She wrote herself out of the story. Now she's daring to want more.

Charlotte Lucas has never been a romantic. Practical to a fault, she accepted Mr Collins's proposal with clear eyes and a steady heart, trading passion for security. Life at Hunsford Parsonage may be quiet and predictable, but it is hers to manage - and she's determined to make the best of it, whatever Elizabeth Bennet may think.

That is, until an unexpected guest at Rosings Park turns Charlotte's careful world on its head. He sees her, challenges her - and a spark is lit. But true contentment is not only about who you choose to love, but who you choose to be. For the first time, she wonders: has playing by the rules kept her on the sidelines of her own life?

Introducing: Mrs Collins, the Pride and Prejudice heroine you never knew you needed.

Rachel Parris lives and breathes all-things Austen as a founding member of the critically acclaimed touring improv comedy group Austentatious, in which the all-star cast invent a play based on a title suggestion from the audience. She also wrote and presented a Jane Austen comedy programme, Austensibly Feminist, about how to view Jane Austen as modern feminists.

A BAFTA-nominated comedian, musician, actor and improviser, best known for her viral segments on The Mash Report and Late Night Mash, which have garnered over 100 million views, Rachel’s TV appearances also include Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie To You, QI and Mock the Week. She is also a regular guest on BBC R4's The Now Show and I’m Sorry I Haven’t Got a Clue. She co-hosts the popular podcast How Was It For You with her husband Marcus Brigstocke.

For queries, accessibility requirements, or dietary requirements please contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher Waterstones