Austen Chat Podcast
Brenda Cox, a writer for this blog, steered me to these wonderful podcasts offered by JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America). Brenda’s discussion is featured in the second podcast on August 2023 entitled Jane Austen & Goodness: A Visit with Brenda Cox.
On JASNA’s instagram’s site:
“This month we visit with the author of “Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England” to discuss clergymen in Austen’s novels, her use of certain words that hold deeper religious meaning than you might think, women who were influential in the church, and the role churches played in the many social reforms of her time.”
A new podcast is featured every first Thursday of each month. This means a new one will appear in early March! Each is approximately 30 to 40 minutes long. They also come with a full transcript for a quick reference later, or for leisurely reading.
The Podcast host is Breckyn Wood, a member JASNA’s Georgia Region and an independent Jane Austen scholar. She is a freelance writer, editor, and children’s book author.
In addition to Brenda’s wonderful talk, previous podcasts include:
2023
July 6: Jane Austen & Her House: A Visit with Lizzie Dunford
Sep 7: Jane Austen & Her Wardrobe: A Visit with Hilary Davidson
Oct 5: Jane Austen & Her Endings: A Visit with Inger Brodey
Nov 10: Jane Austen & Divorce: A Visit with James Nagle
Dec 7: Jane Austen & Mr. Wickham: A Visit with Adrian Lukis
2024
Jan 4: Jane Austen & Dido Belle: A Visit with Renata Dennis
Feb 1: Jane Austen & Food: A Visit with Julienne Gehrer
I can’t wait to listen to them all!
Tony Grant: Review of Northanger Abbey, a play by Zoe Cooper
On the 26th January Tony Grant and his wife saw “Northanger Abbey” at The Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond upon Thames. The play, written by Zoe Cooper, was ”inspired” by Jane Austen’s novel. Only three actors enacted all the roles as written by Ms Cooper.
I’ve seen plays in experimental theaters where actors played several roles after hastily making costume changes. This method of acting leaves me in awe in how the actors inhabit the different characters fully and with perfect recall of their varying dialogues.
The link below leads to the review on his blog of Cooper’s adaptation of Northanger Abbey. In preparation for the performance, Tony read Northanger Abbey again, which gave him fresh insights.
Playwright Zoe Cooper
Click on this link to enter Tony’s blog to read the review and information about Zoe Cooper.
Hallmark’s Loveuary Experience in February 2024
presents four original movies inspired by the novels of Jane Austen… with a Hallmark twist.
The first movie aired on February 3rd, but never fear, it will be streamed on Peacock on demand.
Paging Mr Darcy:
When an overly serious scholar attends an annual Jane Austen conference, she has a sudden change of heart when she strikes a deals with the man who’s playing Mr Darcy. 1 hr 24 m, 2024
Future February Airings on the Hallmark Channel
Love & Jane, Premieres Sat Feb 10 8/7c
An American in Austen, Premieres Sat Feb 17 8/7c
Sense and Sensibility, Premieres Sat Feb 24 8/7c
These movies will also stream on demand on the Peacock App.
A short review of ‘Paging Mr Darcy’
I just viewed “Paging Mr Darcy.” I give it 2½ out of 5 stars, having spent much of my time keeping half an ear and eye on the film while looking up information for my sick dog. The story was pleasant, but would have been better had the script reflected the energy, fun, and seriousness of an actual Austen conference, like the yearly JASNA AGM. The script was not robust enough for my tastes, but then again, there’s a reason why Hallmark movies with their happy endings are popular with a large number of viewers, and why so many of these romance movies are generated each year.
Jane Austen's World 
always exciting news.
Hallmark also has a zoom “book club” for two Austen books, but somehow they posted the time wrong and I missed the P&P one.
denise
Aww. Bummer.
Thanks so much for the podcasts – lots of great listening, and I’m delighted to see that Adrian Lukis is there. For me, he is THE Mr Wickham of all time!
Best wishes to everyone.
I listened to the first one on divorce and learned more in 40 minutes than in years of research. Well worth the time to listen and take notes!
Thanks Vic to you and Brenda for bringing the podcast to our attention. I look forward to listening to them!
You will not be disappointed. The podcasts are entertaining and professional. I haven’t listened to them all, but will catch up within this month.
I listened to your podcast Brenda. I have decided to order your book, “Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England” to read and write a review.
You didn’t mention that the Countess of Huntington tended to be autocratic and only employed people who kept to her views. There was a calvinistic trend there. And do you mention she was a slave owner using money generated by her slaves to finance her so called religious establishments. She promoted freed Africasn slaves who held her beliefs. I wonder how people would accept somebody with wealth promoting their own version of a religion today? She sounds a bit dodgy to me and the Church of England were at odds with her as i think you mentioned.
Take care,Tony