Emma | Rose Theatre

What happens when the writing of Jane Austen meets Essex? Emma at the Rose Theatre can give you the answer. Christopher Haydon directs said play, setting it in a little town in Highbury. Protagonist Emma is returning to her childhood home after university, and she’s ready to fix everyone else’s problems, except her own. 

Emma’s matchmaking skills lead her to trying to help friend Harriet in finding love while home for her sister’s wedding. Being stuck in close proximity the whole time with the exasperating George Knightley, who appears to despise Emma as much as she detests him. 

Lily Arnold takes on the set and costumes placing the show in the modern day. The set is the inside of a house with working doors, a staircase and a movable sofa, making it easy to change the set to other areas, such as a supermarket and a changing room locker. The design of the house creates full immersion, pulling the audience into scenes and making them forget they’re in a theatre.  Creating a backdrop to the show is the playlist of catchy songs anyone in their phone would know, from Sabrina Carpenter to Bruno Mars.

Taking on the lead role, Amelia Kenworthy differs between comedy and the seriousness of real world struggles as Emma, trying her best to please everyone whilst dealing with changes in her life. Kenworthy is able to command a stage and have the whole audience hanging by her every word. From silly chats in the shops with Harriet to arguing with her sister Isabella. 

Kit Young plays George Knightley and has created a character that the audience can easily dislike but also root for, wanting the best for him. Young creates depth for the character he is given and has memorable lines that patrons will think about long after the performance. 

Another stand out performance is Sofia Oxenham as Harriet. Oxenham perfectly keeps the show upbeat with her comic timing and humorous punchlines. Within the same scene, Oxenham is able to be deep and meaningful whilst connecting with the audience. 

Between Kenworthy and Young, the chemistry fell short, the dynamic between the two characters is a hard one to perfect, needing the right balance between the disdain and the desire for one another. It didn’t feel like it was conveyed as effectively as it could have been, the romance almost coming out of nowhere and feeling rushed. 

A slight issue was the fact no mics were used, everything relied on actors ability to project their voices. Which as great as it is to be truthful to the original way theatre was performed, some lines were missed due to the volume the actors were speaking at. On the other hand, lines felt like they were being shouted to make sure everyone could hear, no matter where they were sat. 

Emma is a piece of literature that can be translated into any time period and Ava Pickett flawlessly places the characters in a modern day setting. Mobile phones, dating apps and fake tan, Pickett uses the original story to reflect the problems of many in today’s generation. Although the constant pop culture references can feel like it bogs the story down at times.

With many adaptations of Austin’s original work, notably the famous 1995 movie ‘Clueless’ Pickett’s take holds its own and creates a uniquely different approach. 

Emma embodies the essence of classical literature, showcasing its potential for transformation into a captivating stage production. 

Emma plays at the Rose Theatre until 11th October 2025.

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★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Marc Brenner