New Laura Wade play based on unfinished Jane Austen novel ‘The Watsons’ to transfer to the Menier

A new play by Laura Wade, adapted from an incomplete novel by Jane Austen will receive its London premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory later this year.

Titled The Watsons, Austen's narrative follows Emma Watson, a nineteen-year-old who has been cut off from her aunt, with no choice but to return to the family home. Forced to marry quickly, Emma and her sisters meet potential suitors, but Austen did not finish the story, with Wade's play picking up where Austen left off to ask what can happen to a character's storyline when it is completed centuries after it was first written.

The Watsons received its world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2018, with a cast including Grace Molony as Emma Watson.

The production will run at the Menier Chocolate Factory for a limited engagement from 20^th September to 16^th November.

Laura Wade is an Olivier-Award winning writer, with her recent comedy Home, I'm Darling winning best new comedy at the 2019 Olivier Awards ceremony. Previous writing credits include Catch at the Royal Court and Posh at the Royal Court, later transferring to the Duke of York's.

Samuel West directs, returning to the Menier after directing Dealer's Choice. Scenic design is by Ben Stones and sound design is by Gregory Clarke.

Casting for The Watsons, as well as a full creative team is to be announced.

The Watsons is at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 20^th September to 16^th November.