Emma at CFT: How does the latest Austen adaptation fare in a busy field? | Review

Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale famously played the role in film and on television, and it spawned even greater success in the high school update Clueless.

But stage adaptations have been less well known.

So how would this rendition, based on Austen’s most dislikeable heroine and brought to life by Theatre Royal Bath, fare?

Ryan Craig, who adapted 1984 for the stage last year, does the honours here – and the result is genuinely funny.

For those that have been living under a rock, the haughty Emma considers herself a master matchmaker – but she thinks too highly of herself given the end results.

A comedy of mistaken feelings ensues until the web of romance is untangled at the end.

The show is made or broken by its protagonist; Emma must be arrogant and bullish enough to elicit laughs but not so much that she’s just thoroughly detestable.

In India Shaw-Smith we are in very safe hands; she understands the role and executes it with aplomb.

Praise should also go to Lukwesa Mwamba who stepped up as understudy for the pure Harriet Smith and got some of the biggest laughs of the night when trying to seduce the snobbish Philip Elton.

Marginally ahead of the pack was William Chubb as Emma’s doddery and neurotic father, who threatened to steal each scene he was in.

This adaptation captures all the elements that have made Austen so beloved – her keen observations on human nature, social foibles and everyday life, injected with warmth, humour and vigour.

With a sprinkling of festive cheer included too by way of a Christmas scene and sing-song, what better way to kick off this winter season at the CFT.

Until Saturday, November 8.