The Watsons (Jane Austen)

What do characters do when their author abandons them?Nick chats with Megan Good (Elizabeth Watson), Amanda Benzecry (Lady Osborne) and Sarah Kitchen (Nanny) about Putney's latest production, based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel, adapted by Laura Wade. The Watsons is directed by Stuart (not related) Watson.Nineteen and new in town, Emma Watson has been cast off by her rich aunt and banished back to the family home. Unless she can marry, and quickly, she faces a life of impoverished spinsterhood, dependent on her boorish brother and his ghastly wife.Fortunately, a ball is being held in town, and she has plenty of suitors to dance with, from debonair but fickle Tom Musgrave to loaded but awkward Lord Osborne. Whose advances should she accept?But that’s where Jane Austen put down her pen. Two centuries later Emma’s happy ending still hangs in the balance. Who will step in to finish the story? Laura Wade’s inventive, sparklingly witty play looks under the bonnet of Jane Austen and asks: What happens when the writer loses the plot?Cast Emma Watson — Emily MarkElizabeth Watson — Megan GoodMargaret Watson — Jessica HearnRobert Watson — Peter CollinsMrs Robert — Kathryn FeltonMr Watson — Perry KitchenNanny — Sarah KitchenTom Musgrave — Alex ReinLord Osborne — Columbus MasonLady Osborne — Amanda BenzecryMiss Osborne — Alexandra GallacherMr Howard — David MillerMrs Edwards — Rhonda LidgoldMr Edwards — Chris RoutledgeLaura — Amelia Roden KirkOfficers of the Militia — Jared PearlTuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April 2026, on the main stage at Putney Arts Theatre._______________________________The Putney Theatre Company at The South West End! See us online – www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/whatsonHost: Cait Hart-Dyke.Producer, podcast editor and sound design: Nick Wells. Music is 'At the Tropicana' by Chalalatas, license courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Recorded at the Putney Arts Theatre.