15-07-2025
Stage adaptation of classic Jane Austen rom-com to finish summer tour in Salisbury
A STAGE adaptation of a classic Jane Austen novel will finish its summer tour in Salisbury.
Northanger Abbey is the classic Jane Austen rom-com that was adapted by Matthew Francis for the stage.
It is being performed by Maskers Theatre Company, who are based in Southampton, and has already received high praise after its run of shows at their Maskers Studio.
They will be embarking on a summer tour across Hampshire and Wiltshire, and they will visit King Edward's Hall in West Tytherley for their final show on Saturday, July 26. You can get tickets HERE.
The story is about a young woman called Catherine Morland (played by Katarina Smith) whose head is turned by the gothic novels she reads.
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She visits Bath and then Northanger Abbey, where reality and fantasy meet.
Director Rob Iliffe said: "We are doing this play because this year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth and Northanger Abbey was her first novel, inspired by Netley Abbey near Southampton.
"Also, it seemed an interesting choice for theatre with the imaginary gothic world.
"It's been great working with a cast spanning through several decades, as the members of the cast are between the ages of 20 and the General, Philip, is in his 80s."
General Tilney, played by Philip de Grouchy, welcomes Katherine to Northanger Abbey (Image: Ian Wilson) The cast has 12 members with a range of experience, from Neil Maddock, 50, who has appeared on screen in Star Wars and Call The Midwife and on stage in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Southampton Passion, to Samantha Richards who is appearing on stage for only her second time after being a teacher.
A review of the show from Scene1+ said the show "offers a charming, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of Jane Austen's beloved novel."
The review goes on to say: "Whether you're a longtime Austen fan or a newcomer to her world, this is a delightful and accessible interpretation that offers plenty to enjoy. With strong performances, creative design, and a keen understanding of the novel's tone, Northanger Abbey at The Maskers Studio is well worth seeing on tour this summer."
Maskers Theatre Company will take their stage production of Northanger Abbey on tour from July 17, visiting Totton, Southampton and Winchester, before finishing in West Tytherley.
