An OSCAR winning actress has collaborating with a classic British museum to enrich their Christmas offerings.
The last quarter of 2020 has been a turbulent period for English attractions. Under government ruling, all England have been closed through a second national lockdown – with plans to reopen some from December 2.
To ensure visitors aren’t missing out on festive experiences, Jane Austen’s House has unveiled The Twelve Days of Christmas – A Jane Austen Special – were fans of the legendary author can enjoy a series of online festivities.
By navigating through the platform, visitors will be immersed into 12 Christmas traditions enjoyed by Jane Austen herself and her classic characters. The museum has promised plenty of cosy log fires, carols, Christmas balls and brisk Winter walks.
Jane Austen’s House has been stunningly decorated for the festive season
To enrich the experience, the showcase will feature various items from the museum, along with illustrations based on the historical extracts from Jane Austen’s memoirs and novels in the legendary Regency era.
Dame Emma Thompson leads the audio narration of the experience, proving the perfect fit for the Twelve Days of Christmas. The world-renowned actress played protagonist Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility, along with writing the script for the 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.
Sense and Sensibility trailer starring Dame Emma Thompson
The acclaimed actress soothingly voices scenes from some of author’s much loved stories, including Emma, Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice, along with exclusive extracts from Christmas letters sent between Jane and her sister.
By visiting the platform, guests are expected to indulge in the acclaimed authors dry sense of humour and her love for Christmas.
Like some museums in the country, Jane Austen’s House begins to welcome visitors on-site again December 2. Once opened, curators of the museum promise an abundance of festive fun including bespoke seasonal decorations, an additional festive audio guide by Dame Emma Thompson and a magical array of Christmas carols.
Jane Austen’s House is situated in the quaint village of Chawton
Commenting on the Twelve Days of Christmas, Sophie Reynolds, Collections and Interpretation Manager at Jane Austen’s House said: “Christmas in Regency England was a time of fun, family and merriment – all things that we know Jane Austen loved and excelled at.
“This Christmas we are delighted to bring Jane Austen’s distinctive voice to our Christmas festivities, as we draw on her novels and letters to explore some of her own festive traditions and pleasures – from music and dancing to games and mince pies.
Adding: “Emma Thompson’s narrative perfectly captures Jane Austen’s wit and dry humour, as she and her characters celebrate their own “Christmas Gaieties”
Twelve Days of Christmas isn’t the only digital offering launched recently by Jane Austen House. Last month, the Hampshire museum unveiled Jane Austen: House from Home which allowed visitors to enjoy a 360-degree tour of Jane Austen’s stunning cottage virtually.
Elsewhere, we spoke to Sophie Reynolds from Jane Austen’s House to delve into how they’ve reimagined operations through the new normal.
