DEM Productions, on behalf of Writers’ Cage, is thrilled to announce the world premiere of AUSTENLAND, a brand-new musical based on Shannon Hale’s beloved novel. The production will debut with two exclusive concert workshop performances at the Savoy Theatre on Monday 24 March 2025. Tickets go on sale from Thursday 6 February at 12pm.

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Adapted from Shannon Hale’s 2007 novel, AUSTENLAND is the latest musical from the acclaimed writing team behind The Book Thief (Leicester Curve, Belgrade Theatre Coventry) and Between the Lines (Off-Broadway). The show features a book by award-winning, best-selling author Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper, Small Great Things) and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, James and the Giant Peach), with music and lyrics by Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (Apple TV’s Central Park, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure).

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The West End’s Lucie Jones will take on the leading role of Jane Hayes, with further casting to be announced.

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AUSTENLAND – The Story

Meet Jane Hayes – unlucky in love and obsessed with all things Austen. She’s ditching dating apps in favour of an immersive getaway to Austenland, a Regency-inspired retreat where every dance, duel, and scandal promises the romance of a lifetime.

But beneath the corsets and cravats, nothing is quite as it seems. Is the enigmatic Mr Nobley a genuine suitor, or just another hired performer? Could the charming gardener be the real deal? As Jane is swept up in the fantasy, she must decide whether to embrace the illusion or discover that her true Mr Darcy is someone she never expected…

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The Creative Team

Co-librettists Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald shared their excitement:

“In today’s world, we all need a little joy – which is why we set out to create a musical that gives a playful nod to Pride and Prejudice in a post-Bridgerton era. AUSTENLAND is an enchanting escape for anyone who has ever swooned over Mr Darcy… or for those who have never quite understood the appeal. Expect catchy songs you’ll be singing in the shower for weeks, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heart-warming reminder that everyone deserves their own grand romance.”

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The production will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace; Calendar Girls, UK Tour), with choreography by Joanna Goodwin (My Fair Lady, Leicester Curve; An Officer and a Gentleman, UK & Ireland Tour). Matthew Malone (The Book Thief, Leicester Curve; Carousel, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) will oversee musical supervision, orchestration, and arrangements, with Natalie Pound (The Creakers, Southbank Centre & Theatre Royal Plymouth; Lovestuck, Theatre Royal Stratford East) as musical director.

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The creative team also includes:

• Design – Polly Sullivan (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, The Other Palace & tour; Describe the Night, Hampstead Theatre)

• Lighting – Jack Weir (The Woman In White, Electric Theatre; One Night Only, Sandi Toksvig, Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

• Sound – Sound Quiet Time (Clueless, Churchill Theatre; Manic Street Creature, Southwark Playhouse, London)

Production & Social Media

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AUSTENLAND is produced by Writers’ Cage and managed by Deus Ex Machina Productions (The Book Thief, RIDE, A Sherlock Carol, Spring Awakening).

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For more information, visit: www.demproductions.co.uk/austenland
Follow us on social media: @austenlandmusical on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook.