The Watsons

York’s Joseph Rowntree Theatre is staging an exciting new production of The Watsons - an adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel - marking both the author’s 250th birthday and supporting the community theatre’s 90th anniversary fundraising drive.

Set in the elegant world of early 19th-century England, the story follows Emma Watson, a young woman navigating society, marriage prospects, and her future. But Jane Austen never finished the original novel, so just as a recognisably Austen tale begins to unfold, something unexpected happens — the plot goes off script, quite literally!

Playful, clever, and full of surprises, The Watsons starts as a period drama and transforms into a bold, brilliant reimagining that spins Regency charm into a dazzling modern theatrical experience, exploring storytelling, free will, and who gets to write our endings.

Written by Laura Wade (Posh, Home I’m Darling) and adapted from the original Jane Austen novel, the play was originally produced at Chichester Festival Theatre. This new production is a collaboration between The Joseph Rowntree Theatre and Black Treacle Theatre. As one of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s Fundraising productions, all profits go directly into the ongoing development of the theatre to ensure it remains a vital part of the local community for years to come.

The Watsons is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Wednesday 9th - Saturday 12th July. The shows run from 7:30pm, with a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2:30pm.

Tickets are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website or Box Office (01904 50 1935) https://www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/the-watsons/2803