Worcester Repertory Company has announced the full cast for Northanger Abbey, an upcoming outdoor production taking place this July at The Commandery Gardens in Worcester. 

2026 marks the Worcester Repertory Company’s 19th outdoor theatre production at The Commandery, with Northanger Abbey promising a playful, musical, and just-a-little-bit-scary take on Jane Austen’s coming-of-age novel.

The role of Catherine Morland will be played by Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick, who returns after portraying Marianne Dashwood in Worcester Rep Company's hugely successful production of Sense and Sensibility last year. Also returning to Worcester Rep Company are Julia Bentley, who will play Eleanor Tilney and Mrs Allen, and Nate Harter, who will take on the roles of John Thorpe and Henry Tilney. Alex Whitworth will portray Isabella Thorpe and Mrs Morland, while George Ormerod will play James Morland, General Tilney and Frederick Tilney.

Jane Austen’s joyful romance follows the naïve Catherine Morland, whose obsession with Gothic horror novels fuels her over-active imagination. When she is invited to stay at Northanger Abbey, nothing is quite as it seems. Thankfully, she finds a down-to-earth suitor in Henry Tilney, although his unusual family may prove just as mysterious as her beloved novels.

This version of Northanger Abbey is adapted and directed by Paul Milton, who returns following last year’s production of Sense and Sensibility. The production promises to transport audiences to Regency England for a fabulous few hours of romance, laughter, and gothic satire.

Theatregoers are encouraged to bring a picnic of their favourite snacks and tipples to enjoy the outdoor theatre experience surrounded by the beautiful gardens at The Commandery. Chairs are available to hire from The Commandery, but visitors are equally welcome to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets.

Ticket prices start at £10.50 for under-25s and £21.00 for adults. A Flexi Ticket, priced between £15.50 and £23.00, is also available allowing audiences to choose their preferred performance on the day rather than booking far in advance. A £3.50 transaction fee applies to all ticket purchases. 

The Northanger Abbey production runs from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July and Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July. To purchase tickets for Northanger Abbey visit the Worcester Theatres website, or contact the Box Office team on 01905 611 427, or visit the team in-person at Huntingdon Hall.

Pictured left to right: Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick and Julia Bentley. Image from Worcester Rep Company’s Sense and Sensibility in 2025.