Jane Austen’s EMMA - synopsis
Emma Woodhouse has no reason to marry - she already has money and social standing! But she enjoys finding marriage partners for other people, especially her little friend Harriet Smith, the ‘natural daughter of nobody knows who’. Emma sabotages a proposal from the farmer Robert Martin in hopes of matching Harriet with the local vicar, Mr Elton - but the snobbish Mr Elton fancies himself in love with Emma herself. Meanwhile, the playboy Frank Churchill draws Emma into a very public flirtation, as a way of concealing the fact he is secretly engaged to someone else. Emma’s lifelong friend, the upright George Knightley, tries to curb her reckless behaviour, with little success - until Harriet suddenly confides to Emma she is now in love with Mr Knightley! Emma is shocked into realizing there is more to marriage than money and position - there is also true love. It’s all part of being young and foolish but eager for life, in this lively and entertaining romp through the village of Highbury.
A contemporary adaptation that makes the world of Jane Austen accessible to a wide range of audience members. Very suitable for young performers.
Keywords: Romantic comedy, Jane Austen, period drama
Running Time: 120 minutes
Male Cast: 5
Female Cast: 5
Suitable for School Productions: Students 14+