Review by Chloe
Ticket was gifted in return for an honest review
Ticket was gifted in return for an honest review
This new production of Emma is a new and funny take on Jane Austen’s classic book.
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| (l-r) Amelia Kenworthy (Emma Woodhouse) and Kit Young (George Knightley). Photo by Marc Brenner. |
Instead of sticking to Regency gowns and polite tea parties, it throws the story headfirst into Essex in 2025 — and it works brilliantly. There was no dull moment within this play.
From the very beginning, the show sets you up for a surprise. You walk into the theatre to the sound of dramatic classical music, and the character Emma appears in traditional period dress but suddenly, the lights flash, the music switches to rave beats, and the actor rips off their costume to reveal modern clothing.
The play has a small cast of just seven, but they bring huge energy and have mastered the use of multi-role. Each of the actors were incredibly strong in bringing their character’s personality. Christopher Haydon really cracked the directing of this play.
The staging is simple yet well thought through — when the curtain is ripped down, a house is revealed that becomes the backdrop for the whole show. The different places within the show are represented through the movement and placing of tables and chairs. The actors handle every set change themselves, whilst the lights around the stage light up and flash and pop music plays in the background. The simplicity enabled the show to keep moving forwards through the story.
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| Cast of Emma. Photo by Marc Brenner |
What makes this production so entertaining is the way it mixes Austen’s themes with a modern, unapologetic edge. The cast use strong language, sip from real drinks, and even vape on stage. It felt like a rom-com from today: sharp, cheeky, and very, very funny.
The comedy never stops. Even during the more serious scenes, there’s always a joke, a look, or a twist that keeps the audience laughing. By the time the story reaches its finale — a brilliantly silly mimed wedding — the theatre is buzzing with energy.
You don’t need to know Jane Austen’s novel to enjoy this production. It stands on its own as a smart, modern romantic comedy. With strong performances, clever staging, and humour that hits from start to finish, Emma is a show
I’d recommend for teenagers and adults alike. It’s outrageous, original, and one of the funniest nights at the theatre I’ve had in a long time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emma plays at Rose Theatre in Kingston-Upon-Thames until 11th October 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/emma-djh9
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| (l-r) Adrian Richards (John Knightley) and Jessica Brindle (Isabella Woodhouse) in Emma. Photo by Marc Brenner. |
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