Jane Austen is renowned for writing 6 novels that had a lasting impact on British literature. But if she was alive today, would she be waiting in line for Pussy Riot tickets, or running for political office in a paisley trouser suit? The women in her books showed a wide arena of womanhood: from the witty, intelligent and rational to hilariously dull, foolishly romantic and possibly insane. She wrote so many experiences of womanhood. But that was so long ago, and in such a different world. How do her books stand up to the feminist standards of today? Can we learn anything from them? And what would her blog have been called?

Rachel Parris is many things, amongst them 1. a fierce feminist 2. a Jane Austen geek. 3. A romantic. Those things don't always go together seamlessly. But maybe they can.

In a mix of live stand-up and adapted excerpts from the books (performed by guests), Parris presents an irreverent look at Austen the modern feminist, exploring themes of independence, money, fashion, marriage, sex and politics - now and in 1814. She'll see what we can gain from Austen's stories - and whether her characters really are the feminist icons they've been held up to be. And of course, answering the burning questions such as: ‘was Elizabeth Bennet more of a Jameela Jamil or a Kim Kardashian?’.

For this Radio 4 show, our audience will be online, so join us at 7.15 for a 7.30pm start on Monday 11th January 2021 and enjoy Rachel's show from the comfort of your own sofa, alone or with your household.

Although we have no details of further recordings of this show, if you would like to add your details to our mailing list here, we can email you with details of possible future recordings.