Initial Casting Set for West End Transfer of The Watsons, New Play Adapted from Jane Austen's Unfinished Novel

The first slate of casting is here for the upcoming West End production of Laura Wade's new drama The Watsons. Samuel West will direct the previously announced transfer from the Chichester Festival Theatre and Menier Chocolate Factory, set to arrive at the Harold Pinter Theatre on May 8 ahead of an opening night set for May 19.

Heading the cast will be Grace Molony reprising her Evening Standard Award-nominated turn as Emma Watson, with fellow previous cast members Sam Alexander as Robert Watson, Sally Bankes as Nanny, Jane Booker as Lady Osborne, Elaine Claxton as Mrs Edwards, Ralph Davis as Lord Osborne, Tim Delap as Mr. Howard, Sophie Duval as Mrs. Robert, Louise Ford as Laura, John Wilson Goddard as Mr. Watson, Rhianna McGreevy as Margaret Watson, Elander Moore as Bertie, Paksie Vernon as Elizabeth Watson and Cat White as Miss Osborne.

Picking up from an unfinished novel by Jane Austen, The Watsons follows Emma (Molony), nineteen and new in town, who has been cut off by her wealthy aunt. She needs to marry and fast, or be faced with a life of poverty and spinsterhood stuck in her humdrum family home. Luckily, she has plenty of prospective suitors asking to dance, from dashing socialite Tom Musgrave to the stinking rich, socially awkward Lord Osborne (Davis), but struggles with which partner to pick.

The production will include scenic design by Ben Stones, lighting design by Richard Howell, sound design by Gregory Clarke, movement by Mike Ashcroft and music by Isobel Waller-Bridge.

The Watsons is scheduled to play a limited West End engagement through September 26, 2020. Additional casting will be announced soon.