Emma (Dunham Massey Park)

Venue: Dunham Massey Park
Where: Altrincham

I have sat through so many lacklustre outdoor performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that Heartbreak’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s comedy, Emma, written in 1816, is a refreshing change.

Some call this piece timeless but I doubt young girls understand the obsession with marriage and, in the words of one character, Henry (James May) “talks about talks about the possibility of kissing in 10 years time,” but they seem to enjoy it, nonetheless.

Emma, doesn’t intend to marry but enjoys matchmaking, ensuring that everyone else finds true love. She goes to enormous and amusing lengths to pair her young friend Harriet to Mr Elton, a vicar (Duncan Wigman). So no-one is more surprised than Emma when. in a hilarious scene in an improvised carriage. the clergy man proposes to her.

This is only the start of a merry-go-round of affection and pseudo affection.  When the ride stops it is for a happy ending with three weddings, one of which, to her surprise, is Emma’s.

The company make the most of the play‘s light-hearted relationships as well as good-natured exchanges with the audience. They ad lib well when planes fly over and cope professionally with multiple roles especially Erika Sanderson who plays five different parts.

The casting director has made a good choice in Holly Beth Morgan as the title character, as her Emma is lively, impish, obstinate and rather spoilt – everything the writer could have wished for and had in mind.

Then there is James Merry’s Mr Knightley, the only voice of commonsense who brings our heroine down to earth. A fine figure of a man, he is a steadying influence throughout. The simpering, child-like Harriet (Kimberley Wintle) is a follower rather than a leader adhering to Emma’s inappropriate suggestions, without question.

Visitors to the town such as Frank Churchill (Duncan Wigman) and Jane Fairfax (Kimberley Wintle)  add a new dimension.

Newcomers to Emma might find the characters confusing, as there are so many. Heartbreak deserves a pat on the back for ensuring that we always know who is who and what they are up to.The singing and dancing also add to the relaxed and Summery atmosphere.

This is a truly enjoyable evening; ideal for the whole family and soon to be repeated in Warrington and Didsbury.

– Julia Taylor