IT is a universally acknowledged truth that making fun of Jane Austen can be very humorous indeed.

Following two hugely successful sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel has become one of the most talked-about shows on the improvised comedy circuit.

Set in the inimitable style of Jane Austen, the hour-long comedy play is based entirely on audience suggestions.

At every show the cast asks the audience to write down a Jane Austen-esque title for them to create the story around.

Over the years they have received a varied and inspirational collection, highlights of which include Tents and Tent Stability, Pride and Predator, Strictly Come Darcy and Mansfield Shark.

Performed in period costume with live cello accompaniment, the prod-uction is back on the road with a new UK tour, arriving at Colchester Arts Centre later this month.

As well as being nominated for Best Character/Sketch Act at the Chortle Awards, the last year has seen the group sell out the Udderbelly Southbank in London, storm the Hay Literary Festival and Latitude, and appear on BBC Radio 4’s Extra.

The show starts at 8.30pm on April 25 with ticket prices from £8.

For more information, call 01206 500900 or visit colchesterartscentre.com