"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her."

Bored of small town life and finding no equal for her wit and wealth among the 'inferior society' of the local residents, Emma amuses herself by matchmaking and social scheming. She finds a new project in Harriet Smith, a very pretty girl of seventeen, and vows to steer her away from a humble suitor and make her a more ambitious match. Family friend Mr Knightley keeps Emma under a watchful eye as her schemes lead to a series of romantic misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Can it be that Emma, who has always thought she knows what is best for everyone, has been ignorant of her own heart's desires?

Eve Best (The Honourable Woman, Hedda Gabler, The King's Speech) reads Jane Austen's classic comedy of young love and romantic misunderstandings.

Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Mary Ward-Lowery and Mair Bosworth Show less