Jane Austen's classic - Emma, at the Talisman.

The cast of Emma. Photo by Robert Warner.

Emma by Jane Austen, adapted for stage by Andrew Davies, directed by Corrina Jacob at the Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Kenilworth from 27 September – 4 October 2025.

Review by Ashley Hayward.

What better way for the good people of Kenilworth to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth than to go and watch the world premiere of Andrew Davies’ stage adaptation of the great lady’s classic novel.

As the play started it was obvious that the backstage crew had been extremely busy and had produced a highly authentic looking set. The Georgian costumes were also very impressive, and this enchanting production gave the impression that no expense had been spared. Swift scene changes with atmospheric music, neat choreography and subtle lighting changes also enhanced Corrina Jacob’s excellent direction of this romantic comedy.

Humour and irony in good measure. Photo by Robert Warner.

Andrew Davies does extremely well to adapt this wonderful novel into a stage play lasting about two hours but the script is loyal to the book and its central themes of manners, pride, social class, romantic entanglement and heartbreak are all there along with generous helpings of humour and irony.

The talented cast certainly do justice to the script and with the use of facial expressions, body language, good timing and gestures they manage to successfully convey the complexities and nuances of the delicious characters.

Rose Kenny superbly plays the central character Emma Woodhouse. Emma is full of self-confidence and fiercely independent but also has vulnerabilities. She is bossy and meddlesome, lacking in sensitivity and empathy but still manages to emerge as likeable.

A new stage adaptation by Andrew Davies. Photo by Robert Warner.

Graham Buckingham-Underhill gives a nice portrayal of Emma’s father. He is amiable and easy going but very fretful and somewhat concerned about his and everyone else’s health. He also seems to believe everyone is better off remaining single!

Emma’s moral guardian is the wise and straight-talking Mr Knightley who is splendidly played by Chris Bird and we witness his utter frustration with Emma whilst at the same time being absolutely besotted by her.

Harriet Smith is the unfortunate subject of Emma’s plotting and Ellie Chapman manages to beautifully portray her as trusting, naïve and innocent as she goes through an emotional roller coaster of confusion, joy and despair to eventual happiness.

There were notable performances too from Sion Grace as the rather slimy Mr Elton; Kathy Buckingham-Underhill as the ever-talkative Miss Bates, and Aoife O’Gorman as the obnoxiously snobbish Mrs Elton. The comedy provided by these and the other actors was pleasingly subtle. It would have been easy for Miss Bates and Mrs Elton to have come across as comic caricatures but the actors, the writer and the director did not fall into this trap. They were totally believable which is what Jane Austen would have wanted them to be.

Mention must also be made of some exceptionally tuneful singing from Phoebe Dann in her role as the reticent Jane Fairfax.

Authentic costumes and set. Photo by Robert Warner.

All the actors manage to bring the characters to life and I’m sure the many devoted Austenians in the audience were not disappointed. Reluctant readers and those who may not have read any of Austen’s work will also find it very entertaining and accessible.

The performance received a warm reception from the appreciative full house who appeared to be totally captivated, and I understand that it is now a complete sell-out.  

I’m sure that one of the reasons for Andrew Davies providing the opportunity for the Talisman to premier this play was that he had confidence it would be in talented and safe hands…….and he was right!

To see what’s coming up next at The Talisman please go to: https://talismantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/