JANE Austen is rightly famous for her portrayal of strong women who often make decisions for themselves – sometimes against the advice or desires of those around them. One of the most independent and controversial is Lady Susan, the subject of Dyad Productions’ new Austen’s Women play. It continues its tour at Pound Arts at Corsham on  Friday 6th and Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Saturday 7th December.

The award-winning company, whose previous productions include A Room of One’s Own, return to the Ustinov with a new solo comedy based on Austen’s first full-length work from 1794. Performed by Rebecca Vaughan and directed by Andrew Margerison, this wickedly funny tale is the first show in the 2024 visiting sompany season at the Ustinov, which features a vast array of performances including plays, comedy, music and more.

Lady Susan is a study of society and the women trapped within it. It explores desires, temptations and manipulation as the audience follows the coquettish black widow taking on society and making it her own.