Emma At The Rep – Absolutely Exquisite

Emma Woodhouse is one of literature most infuriating heroines. Lively and charming, she is also meddling and just a little bit snobbish, and definitely believes that she always knows best. Now, in a wonderful new adaptation by Ryan Craig, the life Jane Austen’s memorable Emma is brought to life on the stage in a glorious slice of theatre that had it’s press night at the Birmingham Rep Theatre last night.

The Plot

Emma Woodhouse is a matchmaker to everyone but herself, but her mismatched meddling causes problems for those around her. She often ignores true love, and can’t see that her own perfect match is right under her nose. Her matchmaking endeavours create increasingly hilarious situations, much to the exasperation of her ever eccentric father ( a scene stealing William Chubb). Will all the protagonists find their way to their true loves before the curtain falls? That’s exactly what we are going to find out, having so much fun on the way to the most beautifully romantic of endings.

The Cast

The ensemble cast are perfect. India Shaw-Smith was born to play Emma, bright, brisk and utterly enchanting. She is perfectly matched by Ed Sawyer, who makes George Knightley the real hero of the piece. Their sparkling verbal sparring between the leads calls to mind the screwball comedies of the 1930s. Lukwesa Mwamba is an adorable Harriet Smith, giving one of the most memorable performances I have seen on stage this year. Her expressive face and physical comedy, especially in her scenes with the equally brilliant Oscar Batterham as Philip Elton are very funny, but she also adds a level of pathos to her performance.

Sparkling and witty, Emma is an often hilarious comedy of manners that never misses a single beat. It is just wonderful.

Emma

Birmingham Rep Theatre

Until 4 Oct

Click here for ticket information

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