Jane Austen's Emma - Arena Theatre Productions Review

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Fri 03 May 2024 - Sat 11 May 2024

In its first show since 2022, ARENA Theatre Productions is bringing one of Jane Austen's most beloved works, Emma, to life in this charming new production, which opened at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on May 3. I was lucky enough to attend the opening night, with a large audience in attendance.

Jane Austen’s Emma was the fourth novel she wrote, originally published in three volumes in 1815. The story follows Emma Woodhouse, and her attempts at matchmaking the people around her, while completely avoiding the idea of marriage herself until the right man confesses his love for her. The novel was turned into a stage play and has seen multiple movie versions through the years.



ARENA’s production is not your typical script, director Simon James has made his own adaption from the original novel and has made Jane Austen her own on-stage character. It’s almost like the story of Emma Woodhouse and those around her is being acted out as Jane is writing it.

The set is somewhat simplistic, yet effective. Most of the stage is set as a lounge, with Jane’s writing desk set on a raised platform at the back. ARENA has also made use of the forward thrusts of the stage, one being a secondary place for Jane, the other acting as the woods and garden. Well designed by the director. The music choices fit the production well.

The actors did a wonderful job with each of their characters. Not sure if it was opening night nerves, it I did observe a moment where a couple of actors dropped their characters, but these were quickly recovered. Kate Nauton Morgan did a wonderful job as the titular character Emma, and the range of emotions was extremely believable. Anna Bandiera as Mrs Weston and Kellie White as Mrs Elton are both making their stage debuts in this production, but you couldn’t tell that from their performances.



As I said earlier, this is not the traditional version of Emma that audiences are used to, but don’t let that deter you from going to watch. Different can be very enjoyable, and the audience around me seemed very engrossed in the show, laughing at some of the funny moments and clapping at points too. Well done to ARENA and everyone involved in the production.

Emma plays at 7.30 pm on May 3, 10 and 11, and at 2 pm on May 4 and 11. Tickets are priced at $25 adult, $20 concession, plus booking fee. Bookings can be made here.

Photos taken and supplied by ARENA Theatre Productions.

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