The quintessential romantic comedy of manners, Jane Austen’s Emma has been brought to delightful life by touring company ‘This Is My Theatre’. Known for their inventive, open-air productions in beautiful, rural locations the company has once again proved its spirit delivering a faithful yet refreshing adaptation that captivates from start to finish.
Emma is a witty, wealthy and slightly spoiled young woman who is convinced of her own matchmaking prowess. She decides to take her new friend, Harriet Smith, a girl of lower social standing, and plans to secure a suitable husband for her. Emma dissuades Harriet from marrying the respectable farmer, whom she seems to like, and encourages a romance with the eligible vicar Mr Elton. However, Emma’s plans backfire spectacularly when Mr Elton reveals his affection is for her, not Harriet. Emma continues to make a series of misjudgements and after being humiliated and realises the error of her ways she seeks to mend her friendships. She learns the value of humility and self-awareness and then discovers her own true feelings for the ever-patience Mr Knightley.
The stripped back theatre production with a few simple props allows the focus to remain on the characters, the actors and the witty dialogue. The minimal cast multi-role the number of characters with a small costume change which both highlights the actor’s versatility to character swap in seconds but also the clever adaptation for the story to work successfully with a tiny cast of four.
With no elaborate lighting or curtains, or any of the usual theatre paraphernalia, the scene changes are depicted by the cast singing and effortlessly gliding through the performance area carrying on and off the props. It’s a gentle yet noticeable transition to make the visual connection for the audience.
The applause at the end was a testament to the level of enjoyment had by all as it was once again a delightful performance from this theatre company. Held at the lovely Tymperleys.
