A MUSICAL charting the life of one Britain's greatest writers is being brought to the stage by two Worcestershire mothers.

'Jane', written by Geetika Lizardi and composed by Michelle Lord, follows a young Jane Austen making her way in the world in the 19th century.

Writer Geetika and pianist Michelle came up with the idea for a stage musical while picking up their children from Bromsgrove Pre-prep and Nursery School.

Geetika, who lives in Catshill, said: "Michelle and I got talking while we were picking up our children and I asked her to write the music for it. She's a concert pianist and also a great composer.

"When I read Pride and Prejudice it reminded me of the attitudes that still dominate in Asia, like arranged marriages, and I felt a connection to it.

"A lot of what goes on in her books still happens in Asia today and I felt it was very interesting."

Geetika, aged 36, originally wrote the script as a film screenplay and won several won awards, including ScriptPIMP's grand prize and silver at the International Screen Writing Competition.

The script was even picked up by film production company, First Serve Entertainment, but any hopes of Jane making it to the big screen were dashed when Sony Pictures announced it was making its own Jane Austen biopic.

Geetika said: "There wasn't enough room for two Jane Austen films so I was a bit unlucky. But I decided to turn it into a stage play."

Michelle, who lives near Alvechurch, said: "We have a talented cast from all across the UK, and we are working toward taking our unique production to the West End.

"We hope to get feedback from Midland audiences as we showcase 'Jane' for the first time.

"Artrix is an intimate theatre allowing the audience to join Jane in her quest to find true happiness and freedom."

The show runs at the Artrix, on School Drive, this Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost £7.50 and can be bought by calling the box office on 01527 577330.