A new musical based on the novel by Shannon Hale will receive its world premiere with two concert workshop performances planned for March.
Austenland artwork by Rich Lakos.
Austenland is the third musical adaptation from the writers behind The Book Thief (Leicester Curve, Belgrade Theatre Coventry) and Between the Lines (Off-Broadway), with book by award-winning best-selling author Jodi Picoult (My Sister's Keeper & Small Great Things) and Timothy Allen McDonald (adaptor of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka & James and the Giant Peach) and music & lyrics by Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (Apple TV’s Central Park & Olaf's Frozen Adventure).
Lucie Jones (Les Miserables) will star as Jane Hayes in the performances, with further casting to be announced.
The creative team for Austenland includes director Jonathan O'Boyle (Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace) with choreography by Joanna Goodwin (My Fair Lady, Leicester Curve), musical supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Matthew Malone (The Book Thief, Leicester Curve), music direction by Natalie Pound (The Creakers, Southbank Centre & Theatre Royal Plymouth), design by Polly Sullivan (Cruel Intentions The 90s Musical, The Other Palace & tour), lighting by Jack Weir (The Woman In White, Electric Theatre) and sound by Sound Quiet Time (Clueless, Churchill Theatre).
The story follows a woman named Jane Hayes, who is obsessed with the works of Jane Austen, particularly Pride and Prejudice. She embarks on a transformative journey to a Regency-era themed resort in England, where she hopes to find love and rediscover herself.
Austenland will play at the Savoy Theatre on 24 March 2025.
