The Watsons
Jane Austen’s famous unfinished novel is turned into a stunning new play, don’t miss The Watsons tickets
Following sold-out and critically-acclaimed runs at both Chichester Festival Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory, Laura Wade’s new play The Watsons – based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel – was due to transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2020. The West End production was cancelled due to theatre closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The play follows Emma Watson, who has been cut off by her wealthy aunt. She knows she needs to marry, or else she’ll spend her life in poverty at the family home. She has plenty of suitors, but which to choose? As far as Austen’s original novel goes, we don’t know – that’s just where she stopped writing. But luckily for us all, Laura Wade has picked up Austen’s unfinished novel to finally give Emma the ending she deserves.
Laura Wade is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter, with recent successes including Home, I’m Darling (which won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy), her stage adaptation of Tipping the Velvet, and the 2014 film The Riot Club.
Samuel West directs. His recent stage work includes Waste for the Almeida Theatre and Dealer’s Choice for the Menier Chocolate Factory. His screen work will also be familiar to many, having directed – amongst others – Suffragette, On Chesil Beach, Howards End, and three series of Mr Selfridge.
Grace Molony (Lady Windermere’s Fan) will lead the cast as Emma Watson. She is joined by Sam Alexander (Robert Watson), Sally Bankes (Nanny), Jane Booker (Lady Osborne), Elaine Claxton (Mrs Edwards), Ralph Davis (Lord Osborne), Tim Delap (Mr Howard), Sophie Duval (Mrs Robert), Louise Ford (Laura), John Wilson Goddard (Mr Watson), Rhianna McGreevy (Margaret Watson), Elander Moore (Bertie), Paksie Vernon (Elizabeth Watson), and Cat White (Miss Osborne), who all reprise their roles from the play’s earlier runs.
A one-of-a-kind interpretation of the work of one of Britain’s most celebrated writers, The Watsons plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 8th May 2020.
Child Friendly
Age recommendations for The Watsons are to be announced.