Austentacious at The Lowry

Austentatious (sic) are an innovative comedy troupe whose act is described as ‘an improvised novel’. Before each show, members of the audience are asked to think up Jane Austen-like novel titles, with past examples included Pride and UKIP and Man-Filled Park. The group then improvise an hour-long comedy romance based on the funniest suggestion. If that wasn’t enough to get them hot under the collar, they do the whole thing in period costume. There is even a cello accompanist, to add to the atmosphere. Austentatious have performed sell-out runs in London and the Edinburgh Fringe, where they received glowing reviews from The Times and the Guardian. Along with a residency at the Leicester Square Theatre, the team are touring throughout England. Will their high-brow brand of humour be as popular in places like Margate, Bromsgrove… and Salford? We’ll find out this weekend.

Sat 17 May, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0843 208 6000, 8pm, £12, www.thelowry.com