BBC Radio 4 Extra

Lindsay Ashford - The Mysterious Death of Jane Austen (Omnibus)

Drama

Drama: Historical

The Mysterious Death of Jane Austen

01/03/2014

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Lindsay Ashford - The Mysterious Death of Jane Austen (Omnibus)

Anne Sharp thinks that her lifelong friend Jane Austen may have been murdered.

Anne Sharp thinks that her lifelong friend Jane Austen may have been murdered, but investigation means danger. Stars Ruth Gemmell.

26 years have passed since the death of Jane Austen. Armed with a lock of Austen's hair as perhaps her best clue, Anne Sharp, former governess to the Austen family and Jane's close friend, has decided at least to tell her story-a story of family intrigues, shocking secrets, forbidden loves, and maybe even murder. 

Upon UK publication, Lindsay Ashford's fictional interpretation of the few facts surrounding Jane Austen's mysterious death sparked an international debate and uproar. None of the medical theories offers a satisfactory explanation of her early demise aged 41. Could it be that what everyone has assumed was a death by natural causes was actually more sinister? Lindsay Ashford delves deep into Austen's world and puts forth a shocking suggestion-was someone out to silence her? 

Jane..............Elaine Cassidy 
Anne.............Ruth Gemmell 
Henry............Rupert Evans 
Mrs Raike......Susan Brown 
Elizabeth.......Lucy Robinson 
Cass..............Jasmine Hyse 
Dr Sillar..........Nick Murchie 
Rebecca...................Lotte Rice 
Young Fanny........Eliza Harrison-Dine 
Older Fanny.........Alana Ramsey 

Written by Lindsay Ashford. Adapted by Eileen Horne and Andrew Davies 

Producer: Clive Brill 

A Pacificus production first broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Lindsay Ashford - The Mysterious Death of Jane Austen (Omnibus)

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra