Shows
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 11. | The Tale of Mrs SmithWe're nominated in the Webby Awards and you can vote for us until April 17. Find out how here: https://bnt.org.au/newsFollowing the opera, Anne visits her childhood friend, Mrs Smith, who has already heard reports of the evening and is eager to hear Anne’s version of events. Mrs Smith believes Anne to be in love and seeks assurance that despite her soon to be raising in rank that Anne will not forget her. Anne’s confusion leads Mrs Smith to reveal her previous connections with the source of all the gossip in B...2025-04-0845 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 10. | Family ConnectionsBath is a buzz with the gossip of an impending proposal, but the future bride appears unaware, instead being focused on the arrival of her past paramour. Anne’s family continues to make social faux pas by ignoring the newly arrived Captain Wentworth, in a reigniting of conditions that caused Anne to break their engagement eight years prior. Mrs Smith has heard the gossip around town and cryptically comments to Anne on her perception of the impact on their renewed friendship. Italian Opera provides an opportunity for dueling suitors to attempt to gain Anne’s attention and despite her best...2025-01-1641 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 9. | A Surprise EngagementAnne’s time in Bath is improved by the discovery that an old school friend, Mrs Smith (nee Hamilton), lives in town, however, she is shocked at her old friend’s living situation, a consequence of extravagance and the early death of her husband. Despite her lower station in life, Anne chooses to regularly visit her friend, eschewing more socially acceptable invitations, much to the chagrin of her social climbing family. Lady Russell forms an opinion of Mr Elliot’s intentions yet Anne remains unconvinced. An engagement is announced from Lyme bringing joy and hope. The Crofts appear at Bath...2024-10-2752 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 8. | BathAnne’s presence in Bath has little impact on her father, Sir Walter, and eldest sister Elizabeth, who have been enjoying the faster pace of the city. Anne finds a reinvigorated Mr Elliot who has renewed his intentions to respect and fulfill his aristocratic duties, much to Sir Walter’s pleasure and he appears exceedingly attentive to Anne. Sir Walter’s companion, Mrs Clay, is invited to stay longer despite Anne’s arrival, sparking rumours of an inappropriate attachment. Elizabeth and Sir Walter’s obsession with society is exposed as they pursue, somewhat inarticulately acquaintances of higher rank, an activity su...2024-08-2137 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 7. | Lady Russell ReturnsWhilst her sister and brother-in-law remain in Lyme, Anne visits her friend and mentor, Lady Russell. Despite a strained start, the women are able to converse more freely, with Anne revealing her suspicious that Captain Wentworth is attached to Louisa Musgrove. A visit by the duo to the tenants of Kellynch Hall reminds Anne of what her father’s hubris has lost them, and she is also informed that Captain Wentworth has been speaking of her. The return of Mary and her family to Uppercross fills the house with light and laughter, a stark contrast to before where the cl...2024-06-1137 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 6. | LymeCompetition does wonders for reflecting on what might have been as Wentworth observes another man noticing Anne. The Elliot’s cousin, and heir to Kellynch Hall, has coincidentally arrived in Lyme and is staying at the same hotel as the Uppercross party. Having previously rejected the Baronetage, and a family plan to engage him to Anne’s sister Elizabeth, his estrangement from the Elliot’s is still raw for Anne. However, opportunities arise for conversation and clearing of air. Girlish tomfoolery results in injury and the ever-noble Captain Wentworth reflects on his culpability in seeking Anne’s counsel; yet his deme...2024-06-0337 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 5. | Behind the HedgerowMary’s inability to read the room continues as she invites herself on a walk with the Musgrove girls, Anne and Captain Wentworth. Louisa is a terrible flirt and her impropriety leads to idle and potentially damaging gossip being revealed to Captain Wentworth about Anne. An opportunity to visit the stunning seaside town of Lyme provides a much needed intermission to the somewhat claustrophobic environment of Mary and Charles’ home at Uppercross. There, Anne finds she is able to be of assistance to a grieving man, which finally provides her with a sense of accomplishment.This episode cove...2024-05-2848 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 4. | Perpetual EstrangementThe tension in the air whenever Anne and Captain Wentworth are in each other’s presence could be cut with a knife, not that anyone else is paying attention to Anne. All the ladies are enamoured by him and hope that he will pursue a suit for one of them. Alas other men currently pursuing the Musgrove girls are put out at this supposed new competition. Wentworth finally notices Anne, coming to her rescue from the rambunctious actions of her nephew. Why does this affect Anne so? We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ballarat National Theatre’s ad...2024-05-0844 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 3. | The Captain's ReturnAnne enjoys the refreshing company of her new friends, whilst observing her sister and her husband, Charles’ somewhat disorderly domesticity and, as usual, being overlooked other than to assist in resolving disputes. The dashing Captain Wentworth arrives to visit his sister, the new tenant of Kellynch Hall, resulting in he and Anne meeting for the first time since the dissolution of their engagement. How does his renewed presence impact Anne – and is the love they once shared truly extinguished? Can he ever forgive her for the events of eight years prior?This episode covers chapters 6 and 7 of Jane...2024-04-2850 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 2. | Past PersuasionsInspired by recent events, Anne looks back over the last few years, recalling how she once wished to marry the dashing Captain Wentworth yet was persuaded to give him up, resulting in his self-imposed exile. Time has provided Anne with wisdom over the event, particularly as she is still unattached. Anne’s youngest sister Mary reports feeling poorly and requests Anne’s company prior to journeying on to Bath. Whilst visiting her sister has its challenges, Anne makes some good-humoured new acquaintances.This episode includes chapters 4 and 5 of Jane Austen's Persuasion.We hope you enjoyed this...2024-04-1936 min
Persuasion by Jane AustenPersuasion 1. | Meet the ElliotsWelcome to Kellynch Hall, the ancestral manor of Sir Walter Elliot and the home of our forgotten and ignored heroine, Anne. Sir Walter, a vain and extravagant man, has found his spending has put them in a challenging financial position and our story begins with the Elliot's being forced to leave their home and rent it out to recoup costs. But it is not any ordinary tenant; it is someone connected to a name never forgotten by Anne, a love long since lost. Will this mean the chance of seeing him again? This episode covers chapters 1 - 3...2024-04-1953 min
Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice | 9. Mr Collins ProposesThe morning after the tumultuous Netherfield Ball, Mr Collins makes an offer to Elizabeth and is somewhat surprised at her response. Jane receives a distressing letter from Caroline Bingley. Chapter 19-21Love the podcast? Support us by purchasing some of our awesome merchandise on our Threadless store.This episode features the voices of Olivia French as Elizabeth Bennet, Shannon Nicholls as Mr Collins, Liz Hardiman as Mrs Bennet, Amelia Pawsey as Kitty Bennet, Chris Hiscock as Mr Bennet, Daisy Kennington as Lydia Bennet, Elliott Gale as Mr Wickham, Emma Wood as Mrs Hill, Liana Emmerson...2020-07-1539 min
Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice | 8. Netherfield BallMr Bingley and his sisters visit Longbourn to extend a personal invitation to a ball at Netherfield Park. Elizabeth looks forward to the prospect of dancing with the dashing Mr Wickham but other suitors vie for her attention. Chapter 17-18.Love the podcast? Support us by purchasing some of our awesome merchandise on our Threadless store.Directed by Liana Emmerson, narrated by Olivia French and adapted for audio by Elizabeth Bradford, Olivia French and Liana Emmerson.This episode features the voices of Olivia French as Elizabeth Bennet, Liana Emmerson as Jane Bennet, Lana...2020-06-3044 min