It’s a year in which the name of Jane Austen is back on everyone’s lips. She was born 250 years ago, and her novel, Emma, was published 210 years ago.
This outdoor production by the Questors Theatre uses the adaptation by Doon Mackichan and Martin Millar, broadly amusing and presented in a 90 minute act.
Rachel Moorhead directs a sprightly show with a cast of 8. Caitlyn Vary has the title role of the arrogant, stuck-up matchmaker whose meddling on behalf of her impoverished friend Harriet (Eloise McCreedy) causes confusion and problems.
Nick Thomas offers the liveliest mix of roles, playing old Mr Woodhouse Robert Martin, and Mr Elton, as well as having to contend with wayward costumes on an unexpectedly breezy afternoon.
A playful Priya Patel plays both Jane Austen and Mr Knightley, with just a change of stance and a pair of spectacles for Jane, both proving very effective.
There’s a lovely set design by Nikoleta Stefanova set in front of the Pitzhanger Manor House in Walpole Park. This is Questors first outdoor production, just across the road, but it is an excellent choice.
A couple of fantasy sequences involving Jane Fairfax (Sophie George) are fun, while some musical choices are on point for Robert, Frank Churchill (Anoop Jagan) and the Box Hill picnic.
There are also some amusing moments from Dina Fahmy’s frightful Mrs Elton – check out her hat! – and Isabella Cottrell Kirby’s twittery Miss Bates.
This is a charming and funny romantic comedy, with modern costuming. There are looks, squeals, fainting spells, and fussy old fools, and yet the spirit of the novel comes through loud and clear.
I hope this isn’t the last time the Questors company venture out in the open.
You can watch Emma until 28 Jun in Walpole Park with details here.
4 stars.
Image credit: Robert Vass