Worcester Repertory Company’s Northanger Abbey has received incredible feedback from audiences and reviewers since its opening night on Thursday 16 July. Directed and adapted by Paul Milton, Northanger Abbey from Worcester Repertory Company is the ‘perfect choice for a quintessential English summer evening’. 

Pauline Clark from Raring2go! said, “Despite the incredibly high bar set by Worcester Rep’s previous productions, this year’s performance had us laughing more often and more loudly […] The simple stage backdrop and minimal props direct the audience to focus purely on the five-strong cast, who were utterly amazing with their energy, charm, wit, and perfect comic timing. […] One of Worcester Rep’s great strengths is its ability to tell classic stories with creativity, humour and a sense of fun, and Northanger Abbey is no exception. This production may well spark a passion for Austen’s work among a whole new generation!”

Colin Davison from British Theatre Guide said, “How pleasant it was to relax in the historic grounds of The Commandery museum, and observe these foibles of human nature in director Paul Milton’s adaptation. […] As Henry, Nate Harter looks every inch the Austen hero, and even if it does not quite match a wet Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy moment, the long walk he takes to make his final entrance is quite dramatic, and saves the day. […] All five actors speak with admirable clarity and play several parts, George Ormerod impressing as the admirable James Morland, the scheming General Tilney and his obnoxious son Frederick, Alexandra Whitworth as a duplicitous Isabella and Julia Bentley as fashion snob Mrs Allen.”

John Phillpott from Showtime! With John Phillpott said, “Winner of a show that’s not to be missed […] Ms Fraser-Swarbrick is endlessly superb, setting a frantic pace right from the start. […] George Ormerod really comes into his own as General Tilney as he turns absurdity and pomposity into an art form. I couldn’t wait for him to stride into view. […] Worcester Theatres has turned a classic story that is not necessarily known to many people, into a huge hit that has clearly caught the public’s imagination.”

Harriet from Theatre and Tonic said, “Worcester Repertory Company’s production of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, staged at The Commandery, was the perfect way to spend the evening. […] Though 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. […] The Worcester Rep Company truly exuded the fluidity and professionalism necessary for a good production.” 

Tony Clarke from StageTalk Magazine said, “Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick excels as the impressionable Morland […] Paul Milton’s script is a seamless fusion of both his and Austen’s words. Milton’s comic additions are perfectly woven in, with a cast of just five necessitating some clever and very funny multi-roling as well as some versatile character acting. […] In addition, the script makes full use of references to Bath, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire for some locally-based quips […] The sum of all these impressive parts is an engaging and very enjoyable evening. Austen seems the perfect choice for a quintessentially English summer evening performance.” 

Pete Phillips from The View From The Stalls said, “The cast move seamlessly from one character to another, most hilariously in the case of Nate Harter who also plays Catherine’s other suitor John Thorpe. […] This production successfully distils the essential parts of the story down to less than 2 hours, localises many of them, adds a few songs and, on a warm summer’s evening, provides the perfect entertainment.” 

With just a few days left before Northanger Abbey ends on Sunday 26 July 2026, there's still time to book your tickets. More than 1,000 theatregoers have already enjoyed the Worcester Repertory Company's annual summer production at The Commandery, so don't miss your chance to experience Northanger Abbey before the final curtain closes this weekend.  Purchase tickets on the Worcester Theatres website. 

Photography Credit F8 Creates