Jane Bennet in Annie Get Your Gun

Not really -- but doesn’t actress Rosamund Pike aka Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice 2005 look like Annie Oakley the famous sharpshooter of the American west in this photo?

Actually, Rosamund will play the title role in Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, considered one the greatest dramatic roles in theater where guns play a major role – thus the need for the publicity people to emphasize the violence in Ibsen’s story to connect a classic play to a modern audience. For all you lucky Brits, the UK tour will begin at the Theatre Royal Bath, running February 23 - March 6 and continue to Brighton March 8-13, Richmond March 15-20, Nottingham March 22-27, and Oxford March 29 - April 4. It is expected that the production will then transfer to the West End.

Along the way Miss Bennet will be having tea with Catherine Morland in Bath, Lydia Bennet in Brighton, Mrs. Churchill in Richmond, Mr. Darcy the Sheriff of Nottingham in Nottingham and Edmund Bertram in Oxford. Honestly, we couldn’t be more pleased for her, but advise her leave the guns at the theater.

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Six Reasons for Janeites to Watch An Education

1. Because Carey Mulligan (Pride and Prejudice 2005) is said to be outstanding in this film. The role has made her a break-out star. Sensitive, clever, and intelligent films are few and far between. They save the film industry from catering primarily to young males, whose appetites for Transformers, Saw, and 2012 are insatiable.

2. Because Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility), the school's head mistress, is in it. 'Nuff said.

3. Because Olivia Williams (Emma, Miss Austen Regrets), who plays a teacher, is a beautiful and intelligent actress whose roles are few and far between.

4. Because Alfred Molina, the father, and Peter Sarsgaard, the older suitor, are always excellent.

5. Because Dominic Cooper (Sense and Sensibility, 2008) is becoming a reliable staple in good films.

6. Because Rosamund Pike's (Pride and Prejudice, 2005) appearances on the big screen, like Olivia Williams', are all too rare.

Posted by Vic, Jane Austen's World