Jane Austen's 'Emma'

Ever wondered what would happen if Jane Austen became a character in one of her most iconic novels? Witness Jane meeting Emma in a reimagined revival onstage this May.

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, opening at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on May 3.

In the play, we meet Emma Woodhouse, who is rich, charming, spoilt, single, and obsessed with matchmaking. This leads her to meddle with the love lives of those around her, including her friend Harriet Smith, the town vicar Mr Elton, a family friend Robert Martin, her best male friend, and a mysterious interloper.

This production, which has been faithfully adapted from the original novel by director Simon James, introduces a pivotal and unique character: Jane Austen herself. Jane takes the stage to shepherd her characters through plenty of twists, turns, surprises - and plenty of asides to bring the audience along on the journey with her.