Jane Austen fans are in for a treat next week when Chamber Opera Tours bring their musical adaptation of Persuasion from Chicago to Devon.

Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama comes to Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, 22 September. Picture: Chamber Opera ToursJane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama comes to Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, 22 September. Picture: Chamber Opera Tours

Following performances at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, the popular production will be taking to the stage for one night only at Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, 22 September at 7.30pm.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Persuasion – the last novel fully completed by Austen, first published six months after her death in 1818.

The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young woman whose family moves house to get out of debt and rents their home to an admiral and his wife.

It is regarded as one of the most powerful love stories ever written and Chamber Opera Tours’ adaptation – Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama – has toured the UK and North America for the past five years.

It features music from Austen’s manuscripts and the era, fully staged with chamber orchestra, beautiful Regency costumes, projected scenery, and world-champion Irish dancers.

Described as ‘a treat for the eyes and ears…astounding!’ (Isle of Wight County Press) and ‘one of the best evening’s entertainment I’ve had!’ (Bury Free Press), the performance is sure to thrill Austen fans of all ages.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £15, available from the Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, or by calling the box office on 01803 665800 or 522522. Alternatively, visit www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk or for more information, visit www.chamberoperatours.org



WIN TICKETS

The North Devon Gazette, Sidmouth Herald, Exmouth Journal and Midweek Herald have got five pairs tickets to give away. Simply answer the following question and email your answer to newsdesk@northdevongazette.co.uk, using the subject line Jane Austen competition. Please include your name, address and a daytime contact telephone number.

Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama comes to Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, 22 September. Picture: Chamber Opera ToursJane Austen’s Persuasion: A Musical Drama comes to Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, 22 September. Picture: Chamber Opera Tours

Which year was Jane Austen’s last novel Persuasion first published?

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, September 19 and we’ll notify the winner via email by 5pm that day. Usual competition terms and conditions apply.