As the performance of Ava Pickett's adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma started at the Rose Theatre last Thursday (9 October), gold drapes parted to reveal what looked like a traditional period drama.

The play's protagonist, Emma Woodhouse appeared, dressed in a bonnet, corset and all. But before we could settle into Austen's world, the soundtrack erupted into a pop hit.

It was bold and it was loud, and far from your grandmother's Jane Austen. This was Emma reimagined for 2025, and it was fabulous.

 Pickett's adaptation, which was directed by Christopher Haydon, celebrates the 250^th anniversary of Austen's birth by putting her iconic characters into a world of university parties, co-op shops and ASOS bags.

The show opens at an Oxford University fancy dress party, revealing Emma's regency look to be a costume.

From there, we are taken back to "Highbury" (Essex), where Emma returns home and wreaks havoc on other people's lives.

This cultural contrast between elitist Oxford and Essex's modern realism mirrors the contrast between Austen's original Emma and this bold new adaptation, which is a theme that runs through the core of the production.

Old meets new, and the result is a hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly moving production.

Amelia Kenworthy is a star as Emma. Clad in jeans and Adidas trainers, she brings comedic timing, charm, and just the right level of self-absorption to the role.

She embodies the "heroine whom no one but myself will much like," as Austen once wrote.

Emma's flaws are on full display, especially in her cruel treatment of Harriet and Mrs Bates.

There is an honesty in her performance which makes you root for her, even as you wince as she puts her foot in it time and time again.

The supporting cast is just as strong.

Sofia Oxenham is quietly powerful as Harriet, Emma's gentle and easily influenced best friend.

Her scenes working in Co-op are genuinely funny and had the audience in fits of laughter, while she bought the room to silence when things between her and Emma went sour.

Harriet, played by Sofia Oxenham, and Emma, played by Amelia Kenworthy (Credit: Rose Theatre).

Lucy Benjamin's Mrs Bates is another standout. Her fallout with Emma was upsetting for an otherwise high-energy character.

Lucy Benjamin as Mrs Bates (Credit: Rose Theatre)

Jessica Brindle's Isabella, Emma's glitzy sister, brings warmth and fabulous facial expressions, while Adrian Richards' John Knightley flips traditional gender roles on their head.

Their relationship dynamic is one of many subtle but smart challenges to old-fashioned stereotypes.

This Emma does not just modernise for the sake of it. It uses the modern setting to explore real, relevant themes around gender norms and expectations.

A notable moment came during a date between Harriett and Rob, when Rob insists on paying because he is "the man", prompting Harriet to offer instead.

The moment was light-hearted but pointed, highlighting the ongoing societal battle between tradition and progress.

It is also a production that is not afraid to embrace modern humour and language.

With loud music, flashing lights, and bold sexual references, this show might not suit Austen purists. But for those open to something new, it allows for an enjoyable new take on a classic..

Lily Arnold's set design is simple but effective, allowing the story and the cast to shine.

Scene transitions are slick and full of energy, often accompanied by strobes and pop songs that keep the pace moving.

Little details, like an ASOS bag or Co-op uniform, ground the play in its 2025 setting and help younger audiences connect. Judging by the reactions from the school groups in the audience, it worked.

Laughter rang out across all age groups throughout the afternoon.

Pickett's 'Emma' is a joyful and chaotic love letter to Austen's original, and to all the women and girls who have ever been told they are too much, too loud, or too complicated.

It will not please the purists, but it does not try to.

For those looking for faithful bonnets and drawing rooms, this may not have been your show. But if you wanted an afternoon of laughter, brilliant performances, and a fresh take on a literary classic, Emma at the Rose Theatre was unmissable.