Cast Set for EMMA Reimagining at The Abbey Theatre

Making its European premiere, the Abbey Theatre has revealed the cast for their upcoming winter production of Jane Austen's EMMA on the Abbey Stage. This brat era adaptation by Kate Hamill is directed by award-winning rising star Claire O'Reilly.

Ripping the bodice of tradition, Emma will thrill audiences with a full modern make-over, a contemporary soundtrack and a period-but-playful retelling of the classic comedy of manners. This production centres on the very charming, quick witted, flirtatious, and cunning title character, Emma, following the privileged lives and relationships of individuals from upper-class families in Georgian-Regency England. Skewering social norms of the day, it examines love, desire, class, and the effort it takes to sustain a life of luxury.

Adapted by Kate Hamill, who has the 'unique talent and exceptional ability' to rework this a beloved Austen novel for the stage, Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre and Artistic Director, Caitríona McLaughlin said that, "Her treatment of Jane Austen's Emma is pure and joyful, it feels utterly contemporary and yet is immediately familiar". Directed by emerging Irish theatre directing star, known for her exciting stage works with Malaprop Theatre, Claire O'Reilly, who teams up with fellow Malaprop Theatre Company co-founder, Molly O'Cathain who will design the entire look of this unmissable show for the Abbey main stage. O'Reilly was one of the Abbey Theatre's first resident directors and it's thrilling for the theatre to showcase her talent at the National Theatre of Ireland this winter.

Emma's life is fun, privileged and party-filled - but it has cost her and that will become very evident in the play. She was plied with the best education but with nowhere to use it. She is obsessed with matchmaking but dedicated to celibacy, her class collides with the limitations of gender and social pressure leaving this buoyant, extroverted person unsure of her next move. The play asks "How can you flourish in the world you want when it's been decided that you can't fully participate?"

EMMA comes to the Abbey Theatre's main stage from 22 November until 25 January. The theatre cannot think of a better Christmas gift for their audiences this season.

CAST (with Character Names): Toni O'Rourke (Emma) / Patrick Martins (Knightley) / Clare Barrett (Miss Bates) / Liz Fitzgibbon (Mrs Weston) / Ciara Berkeley (Jane Fairfax) / Domhnall Herdman (Elton/Churchill/Robert Martin) / Hannah Mamalis (Harriet) / Damian Kearney (Mr Weston/Mr Woodhouse)

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

The Abbey Theatre, Dublin (main stage)

Previews: Friday 22 - Wednesday 27 November (except Sun 24 Nov) @ 7.30pm / €15 - €49

Premiere: Thursday 28 November / SOLD OUT

Runs: until Saturday 25 January @ 7.30pm / €15 - €49

Matinees: Saturday 30 November; Saturdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 December; Saturdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 January; Wednesdays 11, 18 December @ 2.00pm / €15 - €49

**and please note on Tuesday 30 December the show is @ 6.00pm

The Abbey Box Office: Tel: 01 8872 / https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/emma/

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