IN the Great Yorkshire Fringe's White Rose Rotunda, on July 20, the cast of Cariad Lloyd, Joseph Morpurgo, Rachel Parris, Graham Dickson and Charlotte Gittins will improvise a brand new Jane Austen work based on a single audience member's suggestion.

What can audiences expect from your Austentatious show, Cariad?

"Every show is completely different, so we can't tell you what will happen but be assured our dear audiences can expect bonnets, breeches and much swooning."

Why did you choose to base your act around Jane Austen novels in particular, Cariad?

"We all loved Jane Austen and her works, as well as the TV and film adaptations. So the genre choice sprung purely from love to start with. It was only after a few shows we realised how perfect her style and world are for improv. She has a distinct voice for each of her main characters, along with a plethora of beautifully drawn and detailed smaller characters, helping to creating an entire world – which is very similar to how an improv show works."

Would you recommend your show to audiences who may have never picked up a Jane Austen novel, Graham?

"Absolutely! You don't need to have read any Austen to enjoy the show. One of our cast members – we won't say which one – had still not read any for the first six months, until we told him, 'you really have to read Pride And Prejudice'. The show takes place in the world of Jane Austen but in-depth knowledge is not required."

How would you describe your show to audiences that may not have seen it before, Graham?

"Six hilarious comedians make up a brand-new Jane Austen novel completely on the spot, based on a title suggested by the audience."

Your act is completely improvised and relies on audience suggestions, so do you get nervous not knowing what the audience will throw out, Charlotte?

"After several hundred shows, our nerves are pretty battle-hardened, but there's still a visceral thrill of anticipation every night, as a title's plucked entirely at random from a hatful of audience suggestions.

"For a few tense seconds, everyone in the room holds their breath, invariably followed by a huge blast of laughter as the name of the night's show is revealed. Our past titles have included everything from rap stars and Shakespearean heroes to singing beavers, so it's safe to say we never have the slightest clue what's coming. That's half the fun though. What can we say? We like to live dangerously."

Is there anyone who inspires your performances, Charlotte?

"Mr. Darcy's wet shirt from the BBC's 1995 Pride & Prejudice. It wasn't in the books either, but that didn't stop it inspiring a nation."

If you were unable to use Jane Austen and her novels as a basis for your show, which author would you have chosen instead, Joseph?

"James Joyce, circa Finnegans Wake."

Austentatious present An Improvised Jane Austen Novel, Great Yorkshire Fringe, White Rose Rotunda, Parliament Street, Wednesday, July 20, 8pm.