Joseph Rowntree Theatre are staging their first in-house play – an adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, The Watsons, so anything could happen!
The new production marks both the author’s 250th birthday and supporting the community theatre’s 90th anniversary fundraising drive.
Set in the elegant world of early 19th-century England, the story follows Emma Watson, a young woman navigating society, marriage prospects, and her future. But Jane Austen never finished the original novel, so just as a recognisably Austen tale begins to unfold, something unexpected happens – the plot goes off script, quite literally!
The Watsons is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 July.
The Watsons starts as a period drama and transforms into a reimagining that spins Regency charm into a modern theatrical experience – exploring storytelling, free will, and who gets to write our endings.
Written by Laura Wade (Posh, Home I’m Darling) and adapted from the original Jane Austen novel, the play was originally produced at Chichester Festival Theatre.
This new production is a collaboration between The Joseph Rowntree Theatre and Black Treacle Theatre. As one of Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s fundraising productions, all profits go directly into the ongoing development of the theatre to ensure it remains a vital part of the local community for years to come.
The Watsons is directed by Black Treacle director Jim Paterson.
Jim said: “My mind was fizzing from the moment I first read this funny, smart and dynamic play that offers us so much scope for creativity in staging it.
“Laura Wade is one of our best playwrights, and her adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel both fulfils and plays with expectations of what a ‘Jane Austen story’ is, and what she means to us all.
“With the brilliant cast and creative team bringing this to life, I can’t wait for us to share this with an audience this summer – and celebrate Jane’s 250th birthday!”
This year, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre is celebrating its 90th anniversary. The Watsons is a highlight of the celebrations, and the first in-house play is not only a creative milestone but also a meaningful contribution to the theatre’s continued growth.
Dan Shrimpton, chair of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre trustees said: “Plays have been an important part of the theatre’s production history and, as we begin to expand our in-house productions, it is wonderful to be able to bring this play to local audiences for the first time.”
Tickets for The Watsons start from £12 and are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website.