Maskers Theatre Company 
Maskers Studio, Shirley, Southampton 
Georgia Rose 
7 July 2025
Running from the 7th to 11th July before embarking on a summer tour, Northanger Abbey at The Maskers Studio offers a charming, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. Directed by Ron Iliffe, this production strikes just the right balance between sharp social satire and playful gothic imagination, bringing Austen’s work vividly to life in an intimate setting.
At the heart of the story is Catherine Morland, a young woman whose head is turned by the gothic novels she adores. Portrayed by Katarina Smith, Catherine is at once endearing, naive, and relatable. Her wide-eyed innocence and occasional overdramatic leaps of imagination are delivered with warmth. As Catherine visits Bath and later the mysterious Northanger Abbey, she begins to imagine sinister secrets lurking behind every door.
One of the standout aspects of this production is the lighting design, which proves to be surprisingly powerful in such a modest venue. Carefully considered changes in light create shifts in tone and atmosphere, guiding the audience seamlessly from a fashionable ballroom to the eerie corridors of Northanger Abbey. The lighting also helped build suspense during Catherine’s more gothic imaginings, enhancing the comedic contrast between her fantasies and reality.
Complementing this was a smart sound design to support the audience in setting the scene in their minds. Live music, played onstage by Juliette Ribi, added a touch of elegance to the performance. Her presence as a musician grounded the play’s sense of period while also enhancing scene transitions.
The simplicity of the set allowed the actors and narrative to take centre stage. Clever staging choices and subtle props guided us through various locations without needing elaborate scene changes. This minimalist approach paid off – never once did the production feel lacking, a testament to both the design team and the actors’ talents.
The ensemble displayed great chemistry and confidence, with many performers taking on multiple roles with ease. The cast engaged directly with the audience at times, echoing the way Jane Austen herself breaks the fourth wall in her writing. These moments were playful and effective, inviting the audience to become part of the unfolding drama. In a theatre as intimate as The Maskers, this approach worked beautifully, enhancing the immersive feel of the show.
This production of Northanger Abbey leans delightfully into the comedy that Austen is so well known for. Rather than dwelling too heavily on the gothic tropes Catherine imagines, the play uses them to great comic effect. With sharp timing, playful interactions, and a self-aware script, the cast delivers plenty of laughs while staying true to Austen’s witty, satirical voice.
While the production is strong overall, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven—particularly in the early scenes, which could have benefited from a tighter rhythm to maintain momentum. Additionally, although the minimalist set was effective, a few more visual cues or transitions could have helped clarify changes in location for those less familiar with the story. That said, these are minor points in an otherwise polished and imaginative adaptation.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and it feels like the perfect time to revisit her work. This production of Northanger Abbey captures both the spirit of her storytelling and the subtlety of her satire, making it an excellent tribute to her legacy.
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 before it heads out on tour this summer.
