Northanger Abbey, Worcester Repertory Company Review
Written by Harriet for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Worcester Repertory Company’s production of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, staged at The Commandry, was the perfect way to spend the evening. From its beautifully scenic outdoor venue to the refreshments provided before and during the show.
Their adaptation of Northanger Abbey tells the tale of a penniless country girl, Catherine Morland, who tags along with a childless Miss Allen for six weeks to experience a life outside of Worcestershire. They head towards Bath via a rather bumpy carriage ride, but Catherine soon finds comfort in Isabella and their shared love of fictitious novels. Much less fond of Isabella’s older brother, Catherine eventually accompanies the Tilney family to the namesake Northanger Abbey in Gloucestershire.
Though originally written in the late 16th century, the satirical, coming-of-age Jane Austen novel was published posthumously in 1817. The classic novel poked fun at the widely popular gothic romance genre, making this possibly one of Jane Austen’s most underrated yet excitably intellectual stories. Though also largely satirical, Paul Milton’s adaptation allowed for the themes of class division and how love will inevitably prevail to shine through these elements of comedy, making the play incredibly heartwarming right through to the end. Not only is Paul Milton impeccably skilled with his quill, but he also makes an impeccable director. A role which, thanks to his incredibly talented cast, I can imagine was quite the delight to take up. The costumes were also impeccably supervised by Hayley Pursey to suit the late 16th-century setting where the story takes place.
Returning to the Worcester Repertory Company is Nate Harter, who played a charming Henry Tinley, as well as a humorous John Thorpe and her mother, Mrs Thorpe. Previously, Nate Harter has entertained audiences at the Worcester Repertory Company through both his performances in Sense & Sensibility and The Ugly Duckling. Whilst the 19-year-old imaginative Catherine Morland was portrayed by Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick. Catherine Morland is Fraser-Swarbrick’s 7th role with the Company—a milestone that comes as no surprise thanks to her naturally confident cadence.
The entire cast was made up of a total of only five performers, yet backstage quick changes were precise, giving both actors the chance to get into character and audience members a smooth sailing performance. The company, who stage at least two major annual productions, truly exuded the fluidity and professionalism necessary for a good production. If you can’t make it in time to see Northanger Abbey, which is scheduled to run till Sunday 26th July, then there is always their next performance; a production of Pygmalion, which will be showing at Swan Theatre this October.
The show was a splendid way to spend an evening in July, which is a credit to its actors, who were extremely punctual as well as the generous production sponsors and volunteers, who were extremely helpful, making Worcester Repertory Company definitely worth another watch.
Further information on the company’s performances can be found by visiting this website.
★ ★ ★ ★
