In a major cultural event marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, the Rose Theatre is set to stage the world premiere of a bold new adaptation of Emma. This thoroughly contemporary reimagining is penned by Ava Pickett, a rapidly rising voice in British theatre, and will be directed by the Rose’s own Artistic Director, Christopher Haydon. The production promises to translate Austen’s classic rom-com of manners and matchmaking into the vibrant, chaotic world of the 21st century.
The adaptation recasts the titular heroine as a recent Oxford University graduate navigating the complexities of her early twenties. Moving beyond the traditional drawing-room setting, the narrative will incorporate the energy of modern social life, swapping, as the production notes state, “drawing room duets for dance floor-fillers.” This version aims to delve as much into the dynamics of female friendship, particularly Emma’s relationship with Harriet Smith, as it does into the pursuit of romance, all while embracing the celebrated flaws and misplaced confidence of what Pickett calls one of literature’s ultimate “unlikeable female characters.”
A High-Profile Creative Team
The production is helmed by a formidable creative duo. Writer Ava Pickett comes to the project with significant momentum, having recently won the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play 1536 and being named the Writer in Residence at The National Theatre for 2025/2026. Her work has also captured the attention of Hollywood, leading to a collaboration with director Baz Luhrmann. Director Christopher Haydon brings his extensive experience, including acclaimed productions like Never Let Me Go and The Caucasian Chalk Circle, to shape this fresh vision of a classic.
A Cast of Stage and Screen Talents
The production is anchored by a cast of decorated actors. The central role of Emma Woodhouse will be inhabited by Amelia Kenworthy, known for her role in Amazon’s epic series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, in what will be her professional stage debut. She is joined by Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), a recent BAFTA Scotland Award winner for Best Actor, as the discerning George Knightley.
The cast also features a wealth of acclaimed performers, including Olivier Award nominee Nigel Lindsay (Four Lions) as Mr. Woodhouse, and Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders) as Mrs. Bates. The ensemble includes BAFTA nominee Sofia Oxenham (Extraordinary) as Harriet Smith, Bobby Lockwood (Wolfblood) as Elton, Jessica Brindle (Top Girls) as Isabella Woodhouse, and Adrian Richards (Noises Off! in the West End) as John Knightley, with Josh Bilyard making his professional debut as Rob Martin.
Design and Production Details
An expert creative team will bring the modern setting to life, including Lily Arnold (Set & Costume Design), Kloé Dean (Movement Direction), Philip Gladwell (Lighting Design), and Kieran Lucas (Composition & Sound Design). The production is supported by Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions.
This anticipated adaptation of Emma is scheduled to run at the Rose Theatre in South West London from September 17 to October 11, with its official press performance set for the evening of September 22.
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