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 Mark
Elizabeth Watson — Megan Good
Margaret Watson — Jessica Hearn
Robert Watson — Peter Collins
Mrs Robert — Kathryn Felton
Mr Watson — Perry Kitchen
Nanny — Sarah Kitchen
Tom Musgrave — Alex Rein
Lord Osborne — Columbus Mason
Lady Osborne — Amanda Benzecry
Miss Osborne — Alexandra Gallacher
Mr Howard — David Miller
Mrs Edwards — Rhonda Lidgold
Mr Edwards — Chris Routledge
Laura — Amelia Roden Kirk
Officers of the Militia — Jared Pearl

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April 2026, on the main stage at Putney Arts Theatre.

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The Putney Theatre Company at The South West End!
See us online – www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/whatson

Host: 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.