AN EVENING with “the undisputed queen of TV history”, Lucy Worsley, features in the programme of York Literature Festival.

Lucy Worsley: Jane Austen At Home, will be presented at York Theatre Royal on March 21, as part of a city-wide programme of literary and theatrical treats.

Dr Worsley’s new biography of Jane Austen takes a fresh look at the writer’s life from the perspective of her bi-centenary, telling the story through the rooms, space, possessions and places which mattered to her.

Dispelling the myth of the cynical, lonely spinster, Lucy instead offers a witty and passionate woman of her time.

Four shows in the Theatre Royal’s Studio also feature as part of the festival.

Medea Maria, (March 16) is described as a deeply moving and powerful contemporary opera of Euripedes’ Medea, retold through the lens of operatic diva Maria Callas.

Devised and performed by Hot Coals Theatre, Finders Keepers, (March 17) is a fun-filled, highly-visual and touching piece about two endearing, quirky characters living in a scrapyard on the fringes of society who have their lives turned upside down.

The Time Machine, (March 20 and 21) is a new and radical interpretation of the HG Wells science fiction classic.

Others From the Other Side, (March 22) features storyteller Clare Muireann Murphy relating tales of changelings, stolen children, strange marriages, theft, deception and wild curses.

Call 01904 623568 or visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk to book tickets.