This summer we are taking a different approach. Having performed in a number of venues around Bath, we will be bringing Austen’s Emma to the Rondo Theatre stage in June, directed by Louise Wallace. Anyone who saw Louise’s production of Sense and Sensibility will know that this promises to be an excellent show with lots of good parts for strong actors.
Jane Austen’s Emma. An adaptation by Jon Jory.
To be performed at the Rondo Theatre, Bath. Tuesday 28th June – Saturday 2nd July.
Please note, we expect to include a matinee performance on Saturday 2nd July.
Audition dates:
Wednesday 20 January at 7.30pm. and Sunday 24 January at 2pm.
Both at the Bath Drama hut, Vane St Bath. BA2 4DY.
Please visit www.bathdrama.com for directions. Director, Louise Wallace.
Emma Woodhouse. Early twenties. ‘Handsome, clever and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition – – and had lived nearly twenty one years with very little to distress or vex her.’ She had, however, ‘too much of her own way and a disposition to think a little too well of herself.’
Mr Woodhouse, Emma’s father. Sixties plus. ‘His spirits required support. He was a nervous man easily depressed; fond of everybody that he was used to and hating to part with them; hating change of every kind.’ He had a habit of ‘gentle selfishness and of never being able to suppose that other people could feel differently from himself.’
Mr Knightley. Late thirties/ forties. ‘A sensible man – – [and ] was – a very old and intimate friend of the [Woodhouse] family. He had ‘a cheerful manner which always did him good.’ He was ‘one of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse and the only one who ever told her of them.’ ‘Emma knows I never flatter her.’
Harriet Smith. Late teens. ‘The natural daughter of somebody,’ – a parlour boarder at Mrs Goddard’s school. ‘A very pretty girl – short, plump and fair.’ Emma ‘was not struck by anything remarkable in Miss Smith’s conversation – [but] showing so proper and becoming a deference – so pleasantly grateful – and so artlessly impressed by the appearance of anything in so superior a style to what she had been used to – – .’
Mrs Weston. Late thirties. Could be older. Formerly Miss Taylor, Emma’s governess then friend/companion. ‘intelligent,, well informed,, useful, gentle, knowing all the ways of the family, interested in its concerns and peculiarly interested in herself [Emma], in every pleasure, every scheme of hers; – one to whom she could speak every thought as it arose and who had such an affection for her as could never find fault.’
Mr Weston. 50’s plus. ’ Father of Frank Churchill. Recently married to Miss Taylor. A straightforward, openhearted man.’ He had ‘an active, cheerful mind and social temper.’ ‘There is an openness, quickness, almost a bluntness in Mr Weston, which everyone likes in him because there is so much good humour with it. N.B. This is a very small role and may be doubled with a servant.
Miss Bates. 50 plus. ‘She enjoyed an uncommon degree of popularity for a woman neither young, handsome, rich or married.’ ’Her youth had passed without distinction and her middle of life was devoted to the care of a failing mother and he endeavour to make a small income go as far as possible.’ ‘The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to everybody and a mine of felicity to herself.’
Mr Elton. Early twenties. Could be older. The recent incumbent of the vicarage, as yet, unmarried. ‘He was really a very pleasing young man, a young man whom any woman not fastidious might like. He was reckoned very handsome, his person much admired in general.’ Initially, ingratiating – later, proud, conceited.
Frank Churchill. Twenties. Mr Weston’s child, raised by his deceased wife’s wealthy family. Slow to visit and pay his respects to the Weston’s on the occasion of their marriage. Mr Knightley’s opinion of him – ‘He is well grown, and good looking with smooth, plausible manners.’ ‘He may have learnt to be above his connections and to care very little for anything but his own pleasure, from living with those who have always set him the example of it.’
Jane Fairfax. Early twenties. Brought up by her father’s friend, Colonel Campbell, now obliged to make her own living as a governess. ‘An orphan, the only child of Mrs Bates’s youngest daughter.’ ‘Jane Fairfax has feeling,’ said Mr Knightley – ‘I do not accuse her of want of feeling. Her sensibilities are strong – and her temper excellent in its power of forbearance, patience, self control; but it wants openness. She is reserved.’ ‘’
Mrs Elton. Mr Elton’s new wife. Early twenties. Could be older. ‘a vain woman, extremely well satisfied with herself, and thinking much of her own importance – she meant to shine and be very superior, but with manners that had been formed in a bad school, pert and familiar – – if not foolish, she was ignorant.’
There will be at least two parts for servants, to assist, ostensibly, with scene changes. An opportunity to build a small part.
To view the script, visit www.playscripts.com and search for Emma, adapted by Jon Jory.
For further information, please contact Louise.
Email. louisewallace@btinternet.com .
Telephone 01225 335897 or 07828 192395.