Auckland Theatre Pays Tribute to Jane Austen with Improvised Musical

The theatre scene in Auckland is set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of renowned novelist Jane Austen with a series of improvisational shows titled Austen Found: The Undiscovered Musicals of Jane Austen. The performances will take place at various venues, including Howick and Pukekohe, highlighting the continued relevance of Austen’s themes in today’s society.

The celebration kicks off on December 13, 2025, at the Harrington Theatre in Pukekohe, followed by a performance at the Harlequin Musical Theatre in Howick on December 14, 2025. Penny Ashton, a prominent performer and comedian, is spearheading this initiative, excited to bring Austen’s humor to life through a unique blend of comedy and improvisation.

Ashton, who has been inspired by Austen’s works for nearly two decades, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming shows. “We’re jumping on the barouche and taking this musical to various locations,” she said. Her connection to Austen is particularly personal, as she is a direct descendant of Thomas Langlois Lefroy, the man who famously flirted with Austen at the age of 21, a relationship that inspired the film Becoming Jane.

The performances promise an engaging experience filled with laughter, music, and dance. Ashton emphasized the joy of improvisation, stating, “We’ll swoon, laugh and romp through an entirely improvised Austenian musical.” She further noted that the themes of love and security, which permeate Austen’s works, remain pertinent today, making the show relevant in the context of contemporary issues such as gender wage gaps and housing insecurity.

The cast also features talented performers Lori Dungey and musical director Greg Ward. Dungey is recognized for her roles in iconic productions, including The Lord of the Rings and M3GAN. “Having Greg, who is such a brilliant muso, to back us is a total gift,” Ashton added, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the show.

As the performance dates approach, Ashton encourages local audiences to participate actively, suggesting that they bring local references for the improvisational segments. “Local icons get a mention in our show, so come and shout out some local references for us to play with,” she said, inviting the community to engage with the performance.

Tickets for Austen Found: The Undiscovered Musicals of Jane Austen are available online, with shows scheduled to take place at Harlequin Musical Theatre on December 14, 2025, at 4 PM and at Harrington Theatre, Pukekohe, on December 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM. For those interested, tickets can be purchased through iTicket.

Ashton concluded by expressing her hope that the show will provide an antidote to the current political climate and global challenges, stating, “We’re all about spreading joy through laughter and connection. I describe us as joy mongers.” With the combination of Austen’s timeless themes and the creativity of local talent, the upcoming performances are sure to be a delightful homage to one of literature’s most celebrated figures.