Emma
Festival Theatre, Chichester
Tue 4 – Sat 8 Nov
Based on the Jane Austen novel published in 1815; Emma is a literary classic which has adorned both stage and screen a multitude of times in the near 200 years since it was penned. I entered the theatre with a vague recollection of my English literature A Level study of the text and left with a renewed admiration of the meddling yet endearing titular character.
This high energy production was captivating from the second the cast entered the stage. With a lively dance at Hartfield (Emmas family home) celebrating the marriage and thus departure of Emmas governess, much to the lament of her Father Mr Woodhouse. With a modest yet elegant set, the focus of this period piece is firmly upon its marvellously talented and engaging cast. Portraying the lead role of Emma Woodhouse, India Shaw-Smith effortlessly captures the heroines transition from the privileged aspiring matchmaker who is self-assured to a fault. To the improved young woman who has somewhat seen the error of ways and expands her understanding from her narrow viewpoint of the world, all under the guidance of the man she comes to love.
The rest of the cast all wonderfully captured the nature of their characters, adding many laughs along the way in this endearing regency era romantic comedy. With a special mention to Lukwesa Mwamba who stepped in to play the role of Harriet Smith at this performance. Her ‘stern curtsey’ under Emma’s tutelage and distressed departure over her ‘balloon hands’ had both my daughter & myself besides ourselves with laughter. With the drama and the twists and turns of the plot coming thick and fast from all sides. It was most befitting that Mr Woodhouse found the need to retreat to his study or to search for his slippers on numerous occasions, accompanied by his side table & chair which came on & off the stage very gracefully, adding to the humour.
The costumes in the production were stunning and utterly authentic in, with Emma having many beautiful dresses of various colours throughout the play. The elegance of Emmas dresses emphasise the disparity between the luxury of her social status in comparison of those of Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax, and in turn their suitors.
What most struck me from their first scene on stage was the underlying chemistry between Emma and Mr Knightley which as an audience member you notice before they do. The more reserved Mr Knightley who ordinarily does not even usually dance is the perfect ying to Emmas yang, and despite being familiar with the story I couldn’t help but immerse myself in their connection and rejoice with a beaming smile when they realise their true feelings for one another in the conclusion of the production.
This is a really feelgood production which forgives Emmas foolishness and has a heartwarming conclusion for all main couples featured. With Bridgerton capturing the nations heart for regency era romance in recent years, it is the perfect time to revisit Emma on the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth.
Emma is showing at the Chichester Festival Theatre until the 8th November
Reviewer: Lisa Dawn
Cast includes India Shaw-Smith as Emma, alongside Oscar Batterham, William Chubb, Jade Kennedy, Peter Losasso, Rose Quentin, Daniel Rainford, Ed Sayer and Maiya Louise Thapar.