Emma, a spectacular stage reimagining of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, is due to make its European premiere in Dublin. The production, adapted by Kate Hamill and directed by Claire O’Reilly, is set to electrify the Abbey Theatre from November 22, 2024, until January 25, 2025.

The story follows the privileged lives and relationships within upper-class families in Georgian-Regency England. Skewering social norms of the day, it examines love, desire, class, and the effort it takes to sustain a luxurious lifestyle.

It centres the charming, clever and flirtatious Emma, who lives a fun, privileged and party-filled life that is full of contradictions. She was plied with the best education but has nowhere to use it. She is obsessed with matchmaking but dedicated to celibacy. The limitations of her class leave her unsure of her next move, with the play boding the question: How can you flourish in the world you want when it’s been decided that you can’t fully participate?

The titular character will be portrayed by Toni O’Rourke, who will be joined on stage by Patrick Martins as Knightley, Clare Barrett as Miss Bates, Liz Fitzgibbon as Mrs Weston, Ciara Berkeley as Jane Fairfax, Domhnall Herdman as Elton, Churchill and Robert Martin, Hannah Mamalis as Harriet and Damien Kearney as Mr Weston and Mr Woodhouse.

In this new adaptation, audiences are told to expect a thrilling and full modern story makeover, complemented by a contemporary soundtrack and a period-but-playful retelling of the classic comedy of manners.

“(Katie Hamill’s) treatment of Jane Austen’s Emma is pure and joyful, it feels utterly contemporary and yet is immediately familiar,” Abbey Theatre Co-Director and Artistic Director, Caitríona McLaughlin said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Abbey Theatre (@abbeytheatredublin)

Emma comes to the Abbey Theatre’s main stage in Dublin from November 22, 2024, until January 25, 2025. Tickets are on sale now; don’t miss out on securing yours here.