Emma Woodhouse has long been one of Jane Austen’s most captivating female characters—a figure of wit, charm, and complexity unlike any other in English literature. Even if you’re not an Austen devotee (a rarity in Bath, where fans rival even the city’s fervent rugby supporters), Emma’s character resonates as a sparkling star in the comedy of manners genre.
This week’s premiere at the Theatre Royal Bath, produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions, brings a stunning new incarnation of Emma to the stage. Timed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth and the ongoing Jane Austen Festival in Bath, the show boasts an impressive creative team and a phenomenal cast of emerging talent.
The play’s script is adapted by multi award-winning playwright Ryan Craig and directed by the acclaimed Stephen Unwin. Their collaborative vision breathes fresh life into Austen’s novel, spotlighting the humor often hidden beneath its genteel surface. From start to finish, the audience is treated to a comedy that is clever, glib, and layered with sharp wit—provoking genuine laughter even from longtime Austen admirers.
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India Shaw-Smith’s portrayal of Emma is nothing short of dazzling. She flawlessly captures the heroine’s eccentric blend of snobbery, irreverence, and cunning, embodying a modern-day matchmaker with an edge that invites both amusement and admiration. Shaw-Smith’s Emma could easily slip into the worlds of “Mean Girls,” “Friends,” or “Sex and the City,” with her exotic charm and magnetic manipulations leaving both men and women defenseless in her wake.
William Chubb, as the caustic Mr. Woodhouse—Emma’s doting, bewildered father—steals scenes with his acerbic humor and towering stage presence. His comedic timing ignites the theatre, offering a father figure reimagined with a fresh, hilarious depth that delighted the opening night audience.
Many attendees embraced the festival spirit by arriving in period dress, enhancing the immersive experience. For Austen enthusiasts, this production offers a rare and delightful reinterpretation of familiar lines, revealing newfound irony and subtlety in Austen’s classic text.
The electric chemistry between Emma and George Knightley, played by Ed Sayer, delivers some of the play’s standout moments. Their dynamic blend of sharp banter and tender connection culminates in a romantic comedy finale that, while unsurprising, remains warmly satisfying.
In Austen’s own words, Emma was intended as a character no one but herself would like. This production turns that expectation on its head, presenting Emma as an irresistible, timeless figure. Over 200 years since her creation, Emma remains arguably Austen’s most intriguing and endearing heroine—whose declaration that she will never marry is met with knowing cheers from the audience.
Ceci Calf’s set design complements the production perfectly, featuring a minimalist yet evocative pastoral backdrop, slanted ceilings, and dark wooden floors. With its period touches—like a glistening chandelier and elegant armchair—it blends classic and contemporary aesthetics in a way that’s both authentic and playfully modern.
Emma continues to enchant audiences at Theatre Royal Bath through Saturday, September 20. Whether you are a devoted Austen fan or a newcomer, this production promises a joyous evening of laughter, charm, and brilliant theatre right in the heart of Bath.