A Truth Universally Acknowledged: A Look Behind the Scenes in Jane Austen
Ruth Leigh
- Regions:
- Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £60 plus 45p per mile for mileage
- Category:
- Entertainment
- Updated:
- 11th May 2026
- Tagged:
- Jane Austen | Regency | Eighteenth Century | Behind The Scenes
Jane Austen's novels are still wildly popular, but many people never look beyond the muslin gowns, dancing, proposals and elegant manners. As a self-confessed Austen nerd and writer, I peer behind the screens and descend to the servants' quarters to shine a light on what really went on when the ladies of the house went out for dinner. Was Austen a sheltered spinster who knew nothing of real life, or a revolutionary author who changed the literary landscape? Come with me as we explore some of the more unexpected aspects of Regency life.
Views: 16 | Enquiries: 0About Ruth Leigh
I am a full time author, speaker and editor. I am the author of the contemporary humour Isabella M Smugge series, about a pretentious influencer who moves from London to the countryside with unexpected results. I have also published a book of award winning short stories around minor characters in Pride and Prejudice, a poetry collection and book of selected blogs.
I speak regularly at WIs and other groups, run workshops and deliver inspirational workshops in high schools. I love humour and try to keep my topics light and amusing with a chance for the audience to interact.
I travel with my life sized cardboard cutout of Colin Firth. He is a prop as I am the author of Pride and Prejudice stories and he is, in my opinion, the very best Mr Darcy there is. He does not require refreshment or conversation, but is happy to pose for photographs.
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