Emma

Jane Austen’s Emma is arguably the second most popular of Austen’s novels, behind the ubiquitous Pride and Prejudice. It has been presented on stage, television, and film many times, most recently in 2020 with Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role. It has also inspired fictional companion novels and the movie Clueless, which director Candice Mitrousis says was her favourite movie as a teenager. She watched it countless times, and upon learning that it was based on a Jane Austen novel, it sparked a lifelong interest.

Emma revolves around the themes of marriage and social status in 19^th-century England. Emma Woodhouse is a beautiful, clever, but also spoiled and meddlesome young lady. She is convinced she will never marry, but is deluded that she is a wonderful matchmaker. Her attempts to organise suitable matches for her friends lead to misjudgements and humorous situations.

Candice said, “Austen herself said she created Emma Woodhouse as a heroine no one but myself will much like, deliberately making her spoiled, prejudiced, and self-satisfied. This was revolutionary, as heroines were usually models of perfection. Emma’s flaws drive the story, allowing Austen to explore growth, self-awareness, and the beauty of learning through everyday mistakes.”

Austen novels adapted to plays tend to have numerous short scenes, which is a challenge for any production. The stage was segmented into three sections, which enhanced the flow of the play. Rather than use flats, the production used Periatkois, triangular columns that are turned to show different scenes.

One of the highlights was the attention to detail of the costumes and hairstyles. Often modern women are reluctant to style their hair in the styles suitable for period plays, and it can often take the audience out of the suspension of disbelief. However, all the ladies in this show did a wonderful job of styling their hair authentically, which very much enriched the show. The costuming was also very good, down to the men’s pants and shoes.

There were many excellent performances, led by Ruth Gilmour as Emma Woodhouse. It’s a large role, which she performed with self-assuredness, brightness, and personality suitable for the character. She and Jett Thomas, as a stern George Knightly, played their scenes together very well. Also of note were Alyssa Innocent as Augusta Hawkins and Lucy Butler as Miss Bates, who had the audience laughing with their vocal stylings. All of the actors did very well. They all had well-defined characters.

It was quite impressive also to have a piano forte on stage and have cast members play and sing.

Congratulations to Frankston Theatre Group and the creative team.

Jane Court