A CLASSIC tale of matchmaking comes to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham later this month, in the form of an adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma.

Emma Woodhouse, a young, single woman, headhunts partners for other people, while aiming to remain unattached herself.

Her best efforts backfire, with comical consequences, until her determination to lead the single life is tested with the arrival of George Knightley.

A handsome thorn in her side, he is both eligible and irritating - the last man Emma would every think of marrying - or so she thinks.

When love eventually finds a way, Emma must then break the news to her dotty father.

Adapted by Dennis Saunders and Sue Pomeroy, the production is designed to be fast paced and stylish, with Austen's humour given free rein to prick the pretensions of her time.

Laura Howard, who takes the title role, is best known for playing Cully Barnaby in television's Midsomer Murders with John Nettles.

Knightley is portrayed by Brian Deacon, who has appeared in the films, A Zed and Two Noughts and The Triple Echo and was Neil Kincaid in Emmerdale.

Emma's father, Mr Woodhouse, is played by Jonathan Cecil, a television and film veteran whose roles on the small screen have included Bertie Wooster, while he was Hastings to Peter Ustinov's Poirot in three cinema films.

Emma runs at the Everyman from Monday, October 21 until Saturday, October 26. Evening performances are at 7.45pm, Monday-Friday and 8pm on Saturday. There are matinees at 2pm on Thursday and 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets are available through the box office on 01242 572573. Bookings can be made online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk.