Pride & Prejudice Comes to Tewkesbury Abbey
Jane Austen's much-loved Pride & Prejudice is coming to Tewkesbury Abbey this autumn for five special performances, as a new collaboration with The Roses Theatre brings professional theatre into one of the town's most spectacular historic settings.
Running from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October 2026, the production will be performed by actors from national touring company The Production Garden, whose previous work has been described as "heart-warming" by British Theatre Guide and "joyful" by The Bath Magazine.
The performances mark the beginning of a new partnership between The Roses Theatre and Tewkesbury Abbey, with plans to bring more theatre to different venues and spaces across the Gloucestershire town.
Pride & Prejudice in Tewkesbury Abbey
The production will make full use of the magnificent architecture and atmosphere of Tewkesbury Abbey, creating an unusual setting for one of Jane Austen's best-known stories.
Adding to the experience, Pride & Prejudice will be performed "in the round", with the audience surrounding the actors and becoming much closer to the action.
The Roses Theatre's Artistic Director, Derek Bond, said:
"We're always looking for ways to present amazing productions from all over the country here in Tewkesbury – both inside The Roses but also in as many other venues as we can.
"We are so excited that our first production is such a corker!"
A Jane Austen Classic with a Twist
Four actors will tell the famous story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, bringing Austen's characters to life with romance, suspense and plenty of laughter, along with a slightly irreverent approach to the classic novel.
The adaptation comes from director Matt Emeny and has previously enjoyed a sold-out run at Bath Abbey, a city and setting Jane Austen herself knew well.
Emeny said:
"There's something really special about performing such a classic tale in so breath-taking a space. It gives the actors and audience alike just that little bit of extra something. The play becomes a real event – an unforgettable experience, really."
He added:
"It's just a great night out. We bring out all the character in the story, and we let ourselves be just a little bit irreverent."
A New Collaboration for Tewkesbury
The five-night run is intended to be the first of further collaborations between The Roses and Tewkesbury Abbey, taking professional theatre beyond the traditional auditorium and into some of the town's most distinctive spaces.
Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Tewkesbury Abbey, said:
"Bringing high-quality theatre like this to our community buildings is such a wonderful thing for the town. There's something about creating shared cultural experiences in these special places which really brings people together – and puts us on the map!"
Both organisations hope Pride & Prejudice will be the beginning of regular productions of this kind, helping to expand Tewkesbury's cultural offering while also bringing visitors into the town.
Bond added:
"Not only are productions like this fantastic for building community and memories. To paraphrase Jane, it's a truth universally acknowledged that brilliant theatre like this makes our whole town a great place to be, too!"
Classics in the Abbey: Pride & Prejudice
Tue 29 September – Sat 3 October 2026 | Tewkesbury Abbey
With just five performances taking place in the spectacular surroundings of Tewkesbury Abbey, audiences are encouraged to book ahead for this special staging of one of Jane Austen's most enduring stories.
> Book your tickets to Preide & Prejudice Today!
Explore Gloucestershire
10 August 2026
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