Jane Austen at 250: An Evening with Susannah Harker

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday week? Join us for a unique literary event in the heart of Bath—featuring none other than ‘Jane Bennet’ herself, Susannah Harker

Enjoy an intimate conversation as the award-winning actor and writer reflects on her career, her connection to Austen’s world, and how the author continues to inspire her own storytelling.

Our resident expert Gabrielle Malcolm will guide the discussion and open the floor to a friendly, relaxed Q&A.

Sip a complimentary drink, savour delicious canapés, and discover behind-the-scenes insights from the iconic Pride and Prejudice BBC adaptation - shared with warmth, humour, and charm.

Treat yourself to a pre-Christmas delight and an unforgettable Austen250 experience at The Gainsborough Bath Spa.

Susannah Harker is an English actress born in London in 1965, the daughter of actors Polly Adams and Richard Owens. She has had a diverse career across film, television, theatre, and radio.

She first gained major attention for her role as journalist Mattie Storin in the BBC series House of Cards, which earned her a BAFTA TV Award nomination. She is also well known for playing Jane Bennet in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In theatre, she has appeared in plays such as On the Shore of the Wide World and Abigail’s Party.

Her work extends into audio drama: she voiced Sapphire in Sapphire & Steel for Big Finish Productions, and appeared in other audio and radio productions, including Doctor Who and radio drama for BBC Radio 4.

Gabrielle Malcolm, who earned her PhD in nineteenth-century English Literature from the University of Kent in 2005, focuses on women’s writing across the last three centuries and its role in shaping the English novel. Her work on Jane Austen includes the edited collection Fan Phenomena: Jane Austen, which explores the surge in Austen-related fan culture—from fan fiction and online adaptations to insights into the enduring influence of the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice. She followed this with There’s Something About Darcy (2020), a study of Austen’s most iconic hero and his lasting place in popular culture, featuring contributions from key figures such as director Simon Langton.

Beyond her books, Gabrielle writes regularly for Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine, has appeared on radio and television discussing Austen, and is an active speaker at literary festivals and Austen-focused events worldwide. For the 2025 Austen anniversary, she is Creative Director for a series of major events in Bath and beyond, including author residencies and international society gatherings, where she will also interview actor Susannah Harker about the 1995 adaptation.

The Gainsborough welcomes all to attend and participate. Tickets include Prosecco and canapés and cost £25 each.

Feedback from a previous talk with Belinda Brown in September ‘23.

‘What an absolutely wonderful evening – I feel very privileged to have been part of the conversation with Belinda. It’s so rare to be able to have such an open discussion amongst a close group about the challenges and ambitions we all have. Belinda is indeed a phenomenal woman and I learnt so much and was so inspired so a huge well done for organising.

Kind regards and thank you again – truly inspiring!’

Feedback from Margaret Heffernan talk in April ‘24

• ‘I thought Margaret Heffernan’s talk last night was truly inspirational.'

• 'We certainly need to see and hear from superb female role models.'

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Host or Publisher The Gainsborough Bath Spa