AS the winter nights draw in, programmes such as Downton Abbey, Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations provide great escapism from the doom and gloom of the weather outside.

Following the recent trend for these period dramas, The Roses is bringing a production of Austen's Women to Tewkesbury, on February 9 at 7.30pm.

Jane Austen's most famous female characters are brought to life in this daring production by Dyad Productions.

Using only Austen's words, Rebecca Vaughn offers a witty and illuminating distillation of 19th century feminism.

In scenes of high comedy and moments of profound pathos, the show provides an overview of the 'best bits of Austen' and vividly brings to life the Regency period.

Characters such as Elizabeth Bennett, Emma Woodhouse, Marianne Dashwood and many more, fall in love, alienate their friends and commit notorious improprieties and bring Austen's stories to life onstage.

The show, which sold out at Edinburgh and Adelaide festivals, is a must-see for any Austen fan. Jane Austen is one of the most widely read authors, with her realistic style and insightful social commentary earning her millions of fans around the world.

In 2003, her book Pride and Prejudice came second in the BBC's Big Read national poll of the nation's favourite books and her characters are some of the most recognisable figures in literature.

Tickets, £12.50, can be booked on 01684 295074. If you buy tickets to Sense and Sensibility in March at the same time, you can get Austen's Women for £2.50.