Tea time for Jane Austen fans

IT’S time for tea and British treats with Ballarat National Theatre, as the board presents a special fundraiser at Craig’s Royal Hotel later this month.

To coincide with their upcoming production of Pride & Prejudice prequel Mr Bennet’s Bride, the Jane Austen High Tea in the venue’s formal dining room will generate funds to support the operations of the not-for-profit performing arts company.

Craig’s chefs will serve a customised menu of traditional English cottage-inspired food at the event on Sunday, 25 September from 4pm.

BNT president Liana Skewes said Austen fans will have the opportunity to sit and chat with likeminded people about the production, and the author’s oeuvre, and hear from some special guests.

“Emma Wood, the playwright of Mr Bennet’s Bride will be there, who was also a cast member of our Pride & Prejudice podcast, alongside director Megan J. Riedl and myself. We’re really excited to connect with people,” she said.

“Those who come along can chat to us about the theatre company and the show, we’ll have a little bit of entertainment and trivia, and if people would like to dress up in Regency style outfits, they can.

“We’ll be giving out a small award to the most ‘obstinate, headstrong girl,’ which is a line said by Lady Catherine to Elizabeth Bennet. Anyone, guy, girl or other, can win that for best Regency attire.”

Ms Skewes said the formal dining room, like the entire hotel, complements and enhances Austen’s 19th century storytelling and themes.

“The room is perfect for it. You couldn’t ask for a better room to spend some time,” she said.

Tickets to the high tea are $75 per person and can be purchased directly from Craig’s Royal Hotel by phone on 5331 1377.

Mr Bennet’s Bride is being staged in the Craig’s Royal Hotel Reading Room from Friday, 23 to Thursday, 29 September.