Emma (Davies)
by Andrew Davies

Emma (Davies) Book Cover
Emma (Davies) Cover

Highlights

120 mins 19th Century Ensemble Cast Reduced Casting (Doubling Possible) Expandable Casting Room for Extras Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes Comedy

Synopsis

After successfully finding a husband for her governess, young, rich and clever Emma Woodhouse is determined to match other potential couples.

This includes the poor but pretty Harriet Smith, the snooty vicar Mr. Elton, and the charming yet illusive Mr. Frank Churchill.

When Emma’s match for new new best friend Harriet fails, the disapproval from her resistant-to-change father and her long-time family friend Mr. Knightley builds.

Faced with the consequences of misjudgments and missed social cues, will the adept matchmaker be able to recover, especially with their potential effects on these relationships – and her own romantic prospects?

Time will tell in this faithful yet playful adaptation of the 1996 movie based on Austen’s novel about the intricate social hierarchies surrounding marriage in the Regency era.

Characters

Character
Mr. Woodhouse

60s. Emma’s father. Gentle, timid and cautious.

Mr. Knightley

Late 30s. The epitome of the English country gentleman. Marries Emma.

Mr. John Knightley

Mid-30s. His brother, a lawyer. Brusque, intelligent, good-hearted.

Isabella Knightley

Late 20s. John’s wife and Emma’s sister.

Mrs. Weston

30s. Formerly Emma’s governess and companion, Miss Taylor.

Mr. Weston

40s. Very lively and cheerful. Marries Miss Taylor at the beginning.

Frank Churchill

20s. Mr. Weston’s son, who has been adopted by the Churchills. Very charming. Is engaged to Jane Fairfax and is the biggest secret until near the end. (Singer preferred but not essential).

Harriet Smith

17. Pretty and naive. Marries Robert Martin.

Mr. Elton

Late 20s. Local vicar, very good looking.

Mrs. Elton

Late 20s. An awful snob from Bristol. Appears in Act Two only. Can double as Mrs. Martin in Act One.

Jane Fairfax

Early 20s. A penniless beauty. Niece of Miss Bates. (Singer preferred but not essential). Can double as Miss Martin at beginning of Act One.

Miss Bates

50s. Jane’s aunt. Talks for England.

Mrs. Bates

80s or even 90s. Mother to Miss Bates and slightly deaf.

Robert Martin

Mid-20s. Farmer and tenant of Mr. Knightley. Marries Harriet.

Miss Martin

20s, Robert’s sister.

Mrs. Martin

Robert’s mother.

Footman/Maids

As desired.

Dancers

As desired.

Emma Woodhouse

20s. Handsome, clever and rich. Marries Mr. Knightley in the end. Singer preferred but not essential.

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
ISBN-13 9780573000966
ISBN-10 0573000964

Emma (Davies) is a comedy play written by Andrew Davies and published by Samuel French .

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $120 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)

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