Austentatious: An improvised Jane Austen novel

See the West End sensation Austentatious, a riotous improvised comedy where the audience decides the play’s title each night at the Arts Theatre.  

The talented cast enacts a fresh story every performance, transforming period drama into a chaotic comedy that delights both newcomers and devoted fans of Darcy’s world. 

What is Austentatious about?  

Get your suggestions ready as the cast of Austentatious relies on the audience to create a new period drama inspired by Jane Austen's extensive universe. With a new story performed every night, the cast takes you on a journey through classics like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and many others. 

This critically acclaimed show delivers a delightful blend of wit, humour, and Regency-era elegance, making it a must-see for Austen enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Each performance of Austentatious is completely unscripted, based on a title suggested by the audience. The talented cast, dressed in full period costume, brings to life an entirely new Austen-inspired novel every night. 

Over the years, the play has collected rave reviews for its innovative approach to live theatre and the cast’s exceptional improvisation skills. This unforgettable comedy is packed with clever humour, roguish characters, dashing gentlemen, and brave heroines, providing a uniquely hilarious experience every time.  

Who is the cast of Austentatious?

Austentatious started in London in 2011 and took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm in 2012. Since then, it has collected rave reviews and sold out shows across the country. The play became the first improvised show in a decade to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and is now a sensation in London's West End. The show features some of the UK's best improvisers, each bringing their unique flair to the stage in full Regency outfits. The talented cast includes Amy Cooke-Hodgson (Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Little Boy Blue) and Cariad Lloyd (Out of Her Mind, Have I Got News For You). Joining them are documentary-maker and BAFTA Rocliffe-winning writer Charlotte Gittins, comedian and podcaster Daniel Nils Roberts (The History of the World in 1 Hour), and Graham Dickson, co-founder and Artistic Director of The Free Association, a leading improv theatre and school in London. 

How to book tickets for Austentatious   

You can book your tickets to see Austentatcious in London online with Visit London. Choose your seats using the seating plan and select the best time and date for you to attend the musical. The show is currently bookable until 16 December 2024. 

Where is Austentatious on in London?  

Austentatious is currently showing at the Arts Theatre, located on Great Newport Street.  

How to get there: 

• Underground – Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) are the closest tube stations, each within walking distance. 
• Bus – Several bus routes stop near the theatre at Cambridge Circus (24, 29, 176, N5, N29, N41 and N279).
• Cycling – Rent a Santander Cycles bike and head to Moor Street in Soho where you will find a docking station. The theatre is just a five minutes’ walk away.  

What is the running time of Austentatious?  

The play is one hour and 45 minutes long and includes an interval.   

What time is the show?  

Austentatious is showing on evenings only with performances taking place on select Mondays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 6.45pm.   

What age is the show suitable for?  

Austentatious is recommended for anyone aged 14 and over. All children under 16 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult. 

What other shows can I see in London? 

Catch Showstopper! The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, where no two shows are the same, as each performance is based on audience suggestions. Alternatively, enjoy the hilarious chaos of The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre, where props fly off-stage and amateur actors struggle to put together a play in this laugh-out-loud comedy.