Theatre

Jane Austen’s Emma at the Oxford Playhouse Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and after a triumphant stint at Bath, Ryan Craig’s new stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma is now on tour and showing at the Oxford Playhouse, in the heart of this historic city.

The elegant Oxford Playhouse was the most fitting venue for this sparkling production and the extent of Austen’s popularity reflected in the laughter and sense of excited anticipation in the packed out auditorium. With some Jane Austen fans dressed in full Regency costume, the stage was set for a satisfying revival of this much-loved classic tale.

Directed by Stephen Unwin, the production is a traditional and playful adaptation, which explores the central Austen themes of social mobility, marriage and love through the romantic entanglements of its characters. The plot follows the ups and downs in the meddlings of haughty Emma Woodhouse, as she takes poor confused Harriet Smith under her wing. She advises Harriet not to follow her heart but rather tries to marry her off to someone from a higher social class who she doesn’t love and who looks down on her.

Jane Austen famously doubted that anyone ‘but myself will much like’ the well-meaning but infuriating Emma Woodhouse. India Shaw-Smith rises to the challenge of portraying the bossy, know it all character of Emma to perfection. Such is the depth of her portrayal that certainly by the end of the show, we, the audience, develop a fondness for Emma through being guided by Shaw-Smith to understand the iconic character’s flaws, contradictions and vulnerability.

Hats off also to William Chubb who plays Emma’s father, the anxious and worrying Mr Woodhouse to perfection. With great comic timing and superb one liners, which had the audience in hoots of laughter, for me, he rather steals the show at times.

The production showcases the talents of a hard working and talented cast who all give strong performances and work so well together (and also seem to have lots of fun in doing so!) The running social commentary is skilfully and cleverly delivered through nuanced undercurrents between the characters – little glances, raised eyebrows, brilliant timing and irresistible acting. The fast pace adds to the enjoyment,, with lots of quick scene changes (superbly efficient footmen!) and all finished off nicely with classic Austen wry comedy and a great many laugh out moments from start to finish.

This adaptation is also a beautiful production, with stunningly gorgeous costumes and a visually appealing set which perfectly complement the classic Austen romantic themes. It all makes for an evening of delightful entertainment and heaven for the true Austen aficionados among the audience.

As part of the 250th celebrations of Austen’s birth, this is a most timely and dazzling production and the rapturous applause at the end was most well deserved – no doubt Jane Austen would join in too!

Rating: 4/5
Jane Austen’s Emma is at the Oxford Playhouse in Oxford from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th October 2025, for more information or to book tickets, visit https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/emma or call the box office on 01865 305305
The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW

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