Emma at the Rose Theatre Takes a Hilariously Modern Twist on Jane Austen

Emma at the Rose Theatre: A Comedic Spin on a Classic

Attention, Austen aficionados! Ava Pickett’s contemporary rendition of Emma might just give die-hard fans a case of the vapors. Sure, the social media references and club scenes are a tad on the nose, but if you can overlook those and appreciate Pickett’s comedic touch, you’re in for a riotous evening.

A Modern Highbury

Set in 2025, our heroine Emma finds herself back home after flunking out of Oxford. With nothing better to do, she dives headfirst into everyone else's affairs. Much like Austen's original character, she’s smart yet insufferable, dispensing misguided advice while blissfully believing she’s the queen of matchmaking.

Costume Changes and Comedy Gold

Don’t expect a traditional portrayal; Emma struts on stage in Regency attire only to swap it for jeans and a t-shirt emblazoned with “handsome, clever, and rich” (with a cheeky strike-through of “rich”). Pickett’s take is anything but a museum exhibit, instead serving up a vibrant, playlist-driven comedy.

A Cast to Remember

Emma’s chaos unfolds at her family home, where her wheeler-dealer father and sister live. Pickett’s humor shines through, especially with one-liners delivered by Sofia Oxenham as Harriet, Emma’s anxious best friend. Their performances are the glue holding this comedic spectacle together.

Concluding Thoughts

With Jane Austen’s 250th birthday around the corner, adaptations are sprouting like mushrooms after rain. While many may stick to the traditional format, few will match the sheer joy of this version. Who knows, perhaps Austen herself would be chuckling in her grave at this delightful twist!