A cast meet-up is shining a spotlight on the next generation of theatre talent.

The gathering took place at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton as part of the ongoing Jane Austen 250 celebrations.

The meeting brought together the current cast of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) and the young performers of The Last Rose of Summer, a new one-act musical inspired by Jane Austen’s life and her connection to the city.

The young cast also had the chance to meet Isobel McArthur, writer and director of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of).

Isobel said: "It's so important to engage with and encourage the next generation of theatre makers.

"The future of the creative arts depends on them.

"I feel honoured to get to meet so many talented young people here in Southampton taking part in the fantastic opportunities Mayflower provides, such as The Last Rose of Summer."

The musical features more than 50 young performers aged 11 to 25.

It is written by Daisy Chute and Rebecca Brewer.

Both productions are part of a wider programme of events marking 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth.

Austen lived in Southampton from 1805 to 1809.

Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios are both taking part in the Jane Austen 250 celebrations.

The Last Rose of Summer will be performed at Mayflower Studios on August 8 and 9.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) finished at the Mayflower Theatre on June 14.

Mayflower Theatre welcomed more than 520,000 visitors in 2023/24.

The venue contributed more than £67 million to the local economy.

All surplus funds are reinvested into maintaining the Grade II-listed building and supporting education and participation programmes.

Over the past 12 years, Mayflower’s outreach work has engaged more than 200,000 young people.

The focus is on reaching underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals.

Mayflower Theatre’s mission is to create "profit for purpose," ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.

Both Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios continue to support each other under the Mayflower brand, working to deliver inspiring theatre experiences for audiences across Southampton and beyond.