An Abbey Theatre production

Emma

22 November - 25 January 2025

Written by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen

Directed by Claire O'Reilly

Booking Information

Dates: 22 November 2024 – 25 January 2025

Previews: 22 – 27 Nov

On the Abbey Stage 

Times:
Mon – Sat 7.30pm
Wed and Sat matinees 2pm

Tickets:  €15 – €49

Running time: Approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval

Age recommendation: 12+

Please note: This production contains strobe lighting, haze and loud music

Sign language interpreted performance: Thursday 16 January, 7:30pm

Touch Tour of Stage and Set: Saturday 18 January, 12:15pm

Audio-described and captioned performance: Saturday 18 January, 2:00pm

Book Tickets

“A mind must have occupation, or it will come to mischief”

This winter, a spectacular reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma is making its European premiere on the Abbey Stage. 

Centring on the charming, clever and flirtatious title character, Emma follows the privileged lives and relationships of the smart set, and those who wish to join them. Skewering social norms of the day, it examines love, desire, class, and the effort it takes to sustain a life of luxury.

Ripping the bodice of tradition, Emma is thrilling audiences with a contemporary soundtrack and a period-but-playful retelling of this classic comedy of manners.

Adapted by Kate Hamill, Emma is directed by Claire O’Reilly, a Resident Director at the Abbey Theatre in 2022.

 Claire O’Reilly  

Claire O’Reilly is an Irish theatre director based between London and Dublin. She is the director of the award-winning, internationally touring, new work collective Malaprop Theatre, and recently directed Hothouse, which won the Best Production Award at Dublin Fringe Festival 2023. Claire was Resident Director at the Abbey Theatre in 2022 and makes her Abbey Stage directorial debut with this not-to-be-missed production of Emma. 

Festive Packages 

What better way to catch up with friends, family or colleagues than a joyous trip to see Emma at the National Theatre of Ireland. If you are a group of more than 8 people, you can enjoy the below for €55 per person:

  • A premium seat ticket to the show
  • A programme with more information on the production and cast
  • A drink of your choice at our cosy bar (within selected categories)
  • Some delicious Butlers Chocolates

If you’d like to find out more about group packages, please contact Laura at laura.oshea@abbeytheatre.ie

Reviews


“Stellar performances... a great romp”
Irish Independent


“Claire O’Reilly’s pop-powered production ramps up the arch comedy”
The Guardian


“Edgy and high octane... whip-smart dialogue is engagingly delivered by the ensemble cast”
The Stage


“Jane Austen’s Emma was the original girl-power creation, she hasn’t gone away you know, and in this charming funny show she’s fully armed”
Irish Independent


“Toni O’Rourke plays Emma with gusto, and Hannah Mamalis is hilarious as Harriet”
The Irish Times


“Clare Barrett is a hoot throughout... a festive hit”
Irish Examiner

★★★★★
“Pure joy and fun”
Irish Daily Mail

Production Images 

Images: Ros Kavanagh

Teaser Trailer 

Video: Laura Sheeran

In Rehearsals 

Claire O'Reilly and Molly O'Cathain

Molly O’Cathain, Claire O’Reilly, Toni O’Rourke, Hannah Mamalis, Domhnall Herdman, Damian Kearney, Liz Fitzgibbon, Ciara Berkley, Clare Barrett, Patrick Martins

Clare Barrett and Toni O'Rourke

Liz Fitzgibbon, Catherine Fay and Bronagh Doherty

Molly O'Cathain, Patrick Martins and Toni O'Rourke

Andrea Ainsworth, Domhnall Herdman, Patrick Martins, Caitríona McLaughlin and Claire O'Reilly

Claire O'Reilly and Ellen Buckley

Images: Ailbhe O’Donnell

Emma was originally commissioned by Guthrie Theater, Joseph Haj, Director. Emma is presented through special arrangement with TRW Plays, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. trwplays.com

Credits

  • Miss Bates / Servant: Clare Barrett
  • Jane Fairfax / Mrs Elton / Robert Martin: Ciara Berkeley
  • Mrs Weston / Mrs Bates: Liz FitzGibbon
  • Mr Elton / Mr Churchill: Domhnall Herdman
  • Mr Weston / Mr Woodhouse: Damian Kearney
  • Harriet: Hannah Mamalis
  • Mr Knightley: Patrick Martins
  • Emma: Toni O'Rourke


  • Written by: Kate Hamill
  • Based on the novel by: Jane Austen
  • Director: Claire O'Reilly
  • Set Designer: Molly O'Cathain
  • Costume Designer: Catherine Fay
  • Lighting Designer: Sinéad McKenna
  • Composer and Sound Designer: Jenny O'Malley
  • Movement Director: Philip Connaughton
  • Hair and Makeup: Leonard Daly
  • Voice Director: Andrea Ainsworth
  • Casting Director: Barry Coyle
  • Assistant Director: Ellen Buckley
  • Assistant Lighting Designer: Kevin Murphy
  • Intimacy Co-ordinator: Sue Mythen
  • Publicity Image: Patricio Cassinoni
  • Publicity: Conleth Teevan
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Abbey Theatre
26/27 Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Ireland
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