Food, Fun & Fashion at Burdett’s

On the afternoon of June 5, everyone should make plans to be at Burdett’s Tea Shop in Springfield, Tenn., for one of the most fun and informative afternoons possible. At 1 p.m., “Dressing Mr. Darcy” will be presented, and at 4 p.m. we will see “Dressing Mr. Dickens”. A delicious afternoon tea will be served before each program, and reservations are required. The programs will be presented by Brian Cushing who is the Program Coordinator at Locust Grove historic site in Louisville, Ky. Locust Grove is a ca. 1790s historic home and farm that was the last home of Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark.

Mr. Cushing, who graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in history, began presenting Dressing Mr. Darcy a few years ago at the request of the Jane Austen Society of North America/Greater Louisville Chapter for the large Jane Austen Festival at Locust Grove. Dressing Mr. Darcy proved extremely popular, so Mr. Cushing refined and expanded it, and began traveling with it as time allowed. Dressing Mr. Dickens is a new addition to the programing. Mr. Cushing said, “I am especially excited to be debuting the Victorian version of the talk, as it has always been a very central point of fascination and obsession for me.” The first time Dressing Mr. Dickens will be seen is at Burdett’s Tea Shop on June 5.

Reviews and quotes about Dressing Mr. Darcy help tell the story of what to expect. Dressing Mr. Darcy presents a program examining the “fascinating evolution of the layers of men’s clothing”. (JASNA 2015) This show is “an intriguing event” according to Old-fashioned blog spot. And best of all, “it may be tough, ladies, but restrain your wolf whistles”! (Sharon L.)

So join the folks at Burdett’s Tea Shop on the afternoon of June 5 to see what you have been missing. Fifty tickets are available for each show, which will begin after a delicious Afternoon Tea has been served. Tickets are $30 per person, per show. Call (615-384-2320) or visit Burdett’s Tea Shop (618 South Main Street, Springfield, TN 37172) to purchase tickets or for further information. “This show is not to be missed,” according to a previous audience member named Evie.

If you are interested in other Regency events, visit the Jane Austen Festival held at Locust Grove, July 15-17, 2016. It is the largest Jane Austen event in North America – and if you go, you might just get to see Mr. Darcy again!