WORCESTER Repertory Company’s latest outdoor production drew bumper crowds, with more than 1,700 people flocking to see Northanger Abbey in the historic grounds of The Commandery.
The Jane Austen adaptation, staged over eight days, marked the Worcester Rep’s 19th outdoor theatre production at the venue.
Positive feedback on the show included the comments: ‘a winner of a show that’s not to be missed’ and ‘the perfect choice for a quintessential English summer evening’.
Across its run, Northanger Abbey featured 10 performances, a five-strong cast, 50 musical numbers and 30 dance routines.
Worcester Theatres, which is home to the in-house Worcester Repertory Company at the Swan Theatre, thanked everyone who bought tickets, saying their support helps sustain ambitious home‑grown theatre across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Chief executive and artistic director Sarah‑Jane Morgan, who also served as executive producer, said: “The Worcester Rep Company continually strives to produce high-quality professional theatre for the city of Worcester.
“I was delighted by the production of Northanger Abbey and feel fortunate to have worked with such a brilliant team of creatives and actors to have produced such a popular show.
“Performance after performance, we received so many lovely comments, compliments and very positive feedback from our audiences, with many saying it was the best outdoor production they have ever seen from the Worcester Rep Company.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the production and look forward to welcoming audiences back as we celebrate our 20th year at The Commandery in 2027.”
Director and scriptwriter Paul Milton said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with a company of such dedicated, professional actors.
“A production like this necessitated that the performers were 100 per cent committed and hardworking: they certainly were!
“It was great to have a number of actors who had worked with us before on Sense and Sensibility in 2025 and some who hadn’t.
“I very much enjoyed the rehearsal process and the wonderful audience response to the performances at The Commandery.”