The Watsons

MADS Theatre recently performed a delightful and clever performance of The Watsons at their lovely venue, Little Theatre in Macclesfield. It is a witty and surprising play adapted by Laura Wade from the unfinished novel by Jane Austen. This engaging adaptation, brimming with humour and emotional depth, kept the audience entertained while also delivering a poignant message about love, society, and the complexities of human relationships.

At the heart of the play is Emma Watson, the heroine who struggles with her place in the world. Laura Nancollis brought warmth and charm to the role, skillfully balancing Emma’s comedic moments with the emotional weight of her character's journey. Though at times the comedy felt a little underplayed, Nancollis' portrayal of Emma was sweet and endearing, giving the character the depth needed for the play's more serious and demure moments.

The rest of the Watson family was brought to life by an ensemble of strong performances. Emma’s sisters, Elizabeth and Margaret, given by Bryony Renshaw and Jess Sturgess, were played with confidence and skill, both actresses bringing nuance to their respective roles. Their chemistry with Emma was natural, and each sister’s character was well-rounded, offering a distinct personality that added layers to the family dynamic.

Mark Winter’s portrayal of Robert Watson, Emma’s father, was a standout. His performance was full of wit, energy and subtlety, with some fantastic facial expressions that carried across the auditorium, this effectively complemented Catherine Rimmer’s portrayal of Mrs. Robert Watson. Rimmer’s sharp, battle-axe wit was a joy to witness—her character was both formidable and funny, and she created a memorable presence on stage.

Rimi Hussain’s performance as Nanny was another highlight. Even in the early scenes, where she had less to do, Hussain’s warmth and quiet strength were apparent. When Nanny’s character was given more to chew on in Act 2, Hussain truly shone, bringing a deep emotional resonance to the role that added gravitas to the play's second half. Her delivery was crystal clear and her comedy skills very apparent – one to watch!

The second family at the heart of the story—the Osbournes (and Musgraves and Howards)—were equally well-cast. Lee Brown played Tom Musgrave, a charming and suave cad, with a confident delivery and just the right amount of sly humour. David Eades, as the stiff and awkward Lord Osbourne, gave a well-executed portrayal of a man who is both socially conscious and painfully out of touch. His performance was grounded, endearingly peculiar, and provided an excellent contrast to the more dynamic characters around him.

Lauren Nixon’s portrayal of Lady Osbourne was suitably dragon-like in the first act, exuding an icy, aristocratic demeanour. However, it was in Act 2, when her character underwent a transformation, that Nixon’s versatility truly shone. The change in her character was believable, and Nixon handled the shift with grace, adding a layer of humanity to a character who could easily have been a one-dimensional antagonist.

Chris Allies’ portrayal of Mr. Howard was delightful, but there were moments where it was difficult to hear his lines, which detracted slightly from his performance. Nonetheless, his character's charm and warmth came through, and he was a joy to watch. Max Brown, once again, impressed far beyond his years as Charles Howard. Brown's mature delivery and understanding of his character’s complexities suggest that he is a young talent to watch closely in future productions.

The richness of The Watsons was also bolstered by the exceptional work of several supporting cast members who played an array of well-honed Austenian characters. Christine Unwin, Jean Rogers, Rob Forster, Muhammed Ali Baloch, and Susan Sills all added a delightful depth to the production, their performances providing a lovely, textured backdrop to the main narrative. Together, these performers created a vivid tapestry of Austen-esque characters that not only complemented the main cast but also enriched the production as a whole. Their dancing, miming, and reactions to the unfolding events were not just add-ons but integral elements that enhanced the overall atmosphere of the play. They brought a delightful sense of cohesion and polish to the performance, ensuring that every moment was filled with layers and quality. They were also used brilliantly as scene shifters – a much appreciated device in theatre to ensure fluidity of action and consistency of the suspended belief and magic of live theatre.

The final and perhaps most intriguing character in The Watsons was that of Laura, the author herself, who made a surprising and captivating appearance within the play she is penning. Played brilliantly by Melissa Williams, this meta-theatrical twist added an extra layer of complexity and depth to the production. Williams’ portrayal of Laura was impressive—confident, emotionally guided, and intellectually sharp, she seamlessly navigated the role with a blend of wit and vulnerability that brought a fresh dynamic to the unfolding drama. As Laura, Williams took the reins of the play in a way that felt natural, even though her character existed within the very world of the story she was shaping. Her performance was masterful in that she managed to strike a delicate balance between being an observer of the action and a character fully integrated into it. She was both author and participant, and Williams captured this duality with impressive ease.

This production proved to be not just a well-executed adaptation of Laura Wade's work, but a celebration of the art of theatre itself—one that allowed the boundaries of storytelling to be playfully explored and cleverly subverted. Gail Hardman as director, assisted by Francesca Dykes and Susan Sills,  captured the very essence of Austen’s world, where the minutiae of behaviour and propriety often spoke volumes more than words themselves, but also gave the correct amount of attention and weight to the delightful Austen script section and the more modern areas. Bringing the messages to the fore through well- executed and thought-out characterisations.

In summary, this production of The Watsons at MADS Little Theatre was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging experience, thanks to an enthusiastic and invested cast and a clever script. The performances, from the leading roles to the supporting players, filled with energy, provided a rich, immersive atmosphere that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Well done to all involved!

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