Northanger Abbey

If you are looking for plans this summer, the Moving Parts Theatre Company is bringing a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey to the Brighton Open Air Theatre. It is an interesting choice for the venue, as the play explores the balance between a gothic mystery and a Regency romance. The story follows Catherine Morland, a character who is quite obsessed with the "horrid" fiction of her time, which sets the tone for the narrative. Seeing how the company navigates the transition from the page to an outdoor stage in Dyke Road Park should provide a different perspective on the source material.

The production is written and co-created by Joanna Nevin, Martin South, and Simona Hughes. They have incorporated original music by Tamara Douglas-Morris and movement direction by Nevena Stojkov to shape the performance. Given the setting at the theatre, which holds 400 seats, the open-air environment adds a specific layer to the experience. The play runs for two hours, and the production team has structured it to appeal to a broad audience, with a recommended age of 6 and up. It is a straightforward approach to a classic text, focusing on the interplay between the dark, gothic elements and the lighter, romantic aspects of the original novel.

The performance is scheduled for Friday, 17 July 2026, starting at 19:00. If you plan to attend, keep in mind that the gates open an hour before the show begins, allowing time to settle into the space. Tickets are priced at £17.00 for a standard entry, £16.00 for concessions, and £12.00 for those under 25. Since the venue is located at Dyke Road Park, BN3 6EH, it is a relatively accessible spot for those living in or visiting Brighton. Whether you are a fan of Austen’s work or simply interested in how local theatre companies adapt classic literature for outdoor spaces, this production offers a clear look at the story of Catherine Morland without the usual theatrical embellishments.