Fan Of Mr Darcy? There Are All Sorts Of Austen Events At Literature Week

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Fan Of Mr Darcy? There Are All Sorts Of Austen Events At Literature Week

This is a sponsored article on behalf of the British Academy.

Whether you're an avid book reader or merely curious about the written word, the British Academy's Literature Week should be on your radar. This May, there are tons of events all based on the theme of Adaptations and Transformations. Check out the Austen-themed talks if you're a bit of a Darcy fan.

BBC Pride and Prejudice 1938 © Alexandra Palace Television Society

The main event in terms of Austen adaptations takes place on 16 May — this is a panel discussion on the BBC versions of the author's novels. Join renowned Austen scholar Kathryn Sutherland and BBC folk to talk series, films, and that iconic 1995 Pride and Prejudice serialisation that made the world fall in love with Colin Firth.

The talk takes place at the British Academy, and you'll even get a glass of wine included when you buy a ticket — so why not make an evening of it and get your Austen geek on.

Longbourn, Jo Baker, Random House UK

If you're more into modern retellings, check out the lunchtime talk with author Jo Baker on 16 May. Her novel Longbourn is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of the servants — find out how she went about it, as well as how she kept hardcore Austen fans on board.

For a thoroughly sensory affair, drop into the British Academy from 15-19 May to see Pride, Prejudice and Perceptions, an interactive journey using sound, sight and scent to explore Pride and Prejudice in an entirely new way.

We're not promising an unlimited supply of Mr Darcys, but these Literature Week events should be on any Austen fan's to-do list. Of course, the British Academy's Literature Week isn't just about Jane Austen — there are plenty more events looking at the adaptations and transformations of our favourite stories. Get a full overview of the events here.

Last Updated 17 April 2017