Teddington's Landmark Arts Centre has announced that it will be hosting a live socially distanced special production of 'Playing Jane', to be performed by a stellar line up of actors from stage and screen on 4 and 5 September 2020.

Amanda Root, Tim McMullan, Abigail Cruttenden, Gaia Mondadori, Rebecca Cardinali, Felicity Duncan andKate Chambers have joined together in support of The Landmark's fundraising appeal to stage three parlour plays from Rosina Filippi's adaptation of Jane Austen's novels, 'Playing Jane'.

'Playing Jane Austen' was the first dramatic adaptation of Austen's novels by Victorian feminist Rosina Filippi who was a progressive actor, novelist and director. She established a People's Theatre in 1913, advocating affordable theatre for all.

Rosina published "Playing Jane Austen" in 1895 and the idea of compiling these pieces arose from the dearth of good duologues and one-act plays suitable for amateur performance so her skilfully adapted iconic scenes meant that both amateurs and professionals could enjoy 'playing' Jane.

Lesley Bossine, Arts Centre Manager, commented: "Actors and audiences alike have been starved of live performance for months during lockdown and it's very exciting to be able to host this special production.

To have such a high-profile cast come together will make this fundraising event a 'must-see 'production for our audiences and Austen lovers."

Play director, Amanda Root, commented: "The Landmark is a unique venue offering pioneering arts events and activities for a wide range of people. As with many arts venues the Covid pandemic has left The Landmark struggling to survive.

"Rosina believed that the arts should be for everyone, and we feel passionate to uphold her vision, to help the Landmark continue its vital work and bring live and vibrant theatre back to Teddington at a time when so many are unable to enjoy this experience."

Martin Nicholds, Landmark Chair of Trustees, said: "After 6 months of closure it's a significant milestone to open our doors for live performance and we are grateful to Amanda and the esteemed cast of 'Playing Jane' for staging this inaugural production to help our fundraising appeal and to support the performing arts."

The cast members have appeared in numerous well-known TV and film roles, and most recently: Amanda Root, Summerland, currently in cinemas. Tim McMullen, The Crown. Abigail Cruttenden, Not Going Out. Gaia Mondadori,The Witcher. Rebecca Cardinali, The West Wittering Affair. Kate Chambers, Stepping Out. Felicity Duncan, Corpse!

The cast hope to tour the production to other venues in the UK over the coming months, depending on the lifting of restrictions on live performance.

Playing Jane runs on 4 and 5 September from 7.30 pm and all profits will go to the Save The Landmark fundraising appeal. The performance will be in the round, with audience seating around tables of 4 people.

Tickets cost £50 and each table will include a bottle of wine per couple. Waiter service and bar will be available.

Box office opens 11 August HERE or for telephone bookings call: 020 8977 7558.