The public’s affection for Jane Austen is far greater in proportion to the small number of books she was able to write before her untimely death. The quality of the writing has ensured her immortality.

Rebecca Vaughan’s one-woman show, a loving tribute, allowed her to be both narrator and bring to life some 13 of Austen’s female creations. It was pleasing that, amongst the more famous characters, some less familiar were included.

Using Austen’s own words, Miss Vaughan introduced each character, commenting on their social situation, before moving skilfully, through change of posture or voice, into that persona.

The haughty Mrs Norris, putting Fanny Price in her social place, contrasted with the twittering Miss Bates while the heartbroken Marianne Dashwood was counterpointed by the silliness of Catherine Morland. Fanny Dashwood was a study of avariciousness as she tried to persuade her husband from carrying out his father’s dying wishes.

Perhaps the most famous creation, Lizzie Bennet, made two appearances – firstly giving her reasons for not accepting Mr Darcy’s proposal and subsequently, when she realises that she loves him.

The performance had such a delicate air to it that one wondered how a more intimate venue would have enhanced it.