August 31 2025: An Evening of Sense and Sensibility with Dame Emma Thompson

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, we’re over the moon to welcome actress and screenwriter, Emma Thompson, for a special screening of Sense and Sensibility – which she wrote, produced and acted in - followed by a reading of diary entries from her time filming the adaptation of one of Austen’s most cherished works.

In this milestone year, the evening offers a unique opportunity to connect with the literary history of one of England’s most beloved authors. Positioned in the heart of Jane Austen country, Heckfield is just a short distance from Austen’s home in Chawton, and the perfect base to rediscover the landscapes and settings that inspired her timeless novels and letters.

This beautiful evening will allow time for questions and answers, and is available just for our Friends and resident guests to book.

Resident guests can get in touch with us here to book.

If you're interested in becoming a Friend, please get in touch here.

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Emma Thompson is one of the world’s most critically lauded and respected talents for her versatility in acting as well as screenwriting. She is the sole artist thus far to have received an Academy Award for both acting (Howards End) and screenwriting (Sense and Sensibility). In June of 2018 she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

The Programme

6:00 PM: Screening Room Bar Opens

6:30 PM: Talk and Reading by Emma Thompson

7:15 PM: Q & A

7:30 PM: Screening Sense and Sensibility

10:00 PM: Conclude

If you need to book an accessible seat, please get in touch directly at events@heckfieldplace.com and we'd be delighted to assist.