About

The Gainsborough Bath Spa is delighted to host an exclusive evening with actress Susannah Harker and Austen scholar Dr Gabrielle Malcolm.
Looking for a memorable way to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday week? Join for a unique literary event in the heart of Bath—featuring none other than 'Jane Bennet' herself, Susannah Harker.

Enjoy an intimate conversation as the award-winning actor and writer reflects on her career, her connection to Austen's world, and how the author continues to inspire her own storytelling.

Resident expert Gabrielle Malcolm will guide the discussion and open the floor to a friendly, relaxed Q&A.

Sip a complimentary drink, savour delicious canapés, and discover behind-the-scenes insights from the iconic Pride and Prejudice BBC adaptation - shared with warmth, humour, and charm.

Susannah Harker

Susannah Harker is an English actress born in London in 1965, the daughter of actors Polly Adams and Richard Owens. She has had a diverse career across film, television, theatre, and radio.

She first gained major attention for her role as journalist Mattie Storin in the BBC series House of Cards, which earned her a BAFTA TV Award nomination. She is also well known for playing Jane Bennet in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In theatre, she has appeared in plays such as On the Shore of the Wide World and Abigail's Party.

Her work extends into audio drama: she voiced Sapphire in Sapphire & Steel for Big Finish Productions, and appeared in other audio and radio productions, including Doctor Who and radio drama for BBC Radio 4.

Gabrielle Malcolm

Gabrielle Malcolm, who earned her PhD in nineteenth-century English Literature from the University of Kent in 2005, focuses on women's writing across the last three centuries and its role in shaping the English novel. Her work on Jane Austen includes the edited collection Fan Phenomena: Jane Austen, which explores the surge in Austen-related fan culture—from fan fiction and online adaptations to insights into the enduring influence of the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice. She followed this with There's Something About Darcy (2020), a study of Austen's most iconic hero and his lasting place in popular culture, featuring contributions from key figures such as director Simon Langton.

Beyond her books, Gabrielle writes regularly for Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine, has appeared on radio and television discussing Austen, and is an active speaker at literary festivals and Austen-focused events worldwide. For the 2025 Austen anniversary, she is Creative Director for a series of major events in Bath and beyond, including author residencies and international society gatherings, where she will also interview actor Susannah Harker about the 1995 adaptation.

Tickets

£25 - include Prosecco and canapés.