Showing at the Orange Tree Theatre, Zoe Cooper’s new show is a delight
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY THE ORANGE TREE THEATRE
Have you ever wondered what Jane Austen’s novels would be like with sapphic lovers? Well, Zoe Cooper’s new production of Northanger Abbey, currently showing at the Orange Tree Theatre, has the answer!
Putting a queer spin on the classic tale, this show follows Catherine Morland (Rebecca Banatvala) who knows little of the real world. Who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? But Catherine is confronted with the real world when she has the chance to join the smart set in Bath. Between balls and parties spent with the aloof Henry Tilney (Sam Newton), she meets sophisticated, intoxicating Isabella Thorpe (AK Golding). And so Cath’s secret adventure begins…
Cooper’s new production of the beloved book has received huge critical love, with the Evening Standard saying that “Austen would thoroughly approve of this playful adaptation”. We think she would too!
Zoe Cooper is no stranger to the Orange Tree Theatre having found huge success with her plays Jess and Joe Forever and Out of Water. This queer retelling of the Austen classic is full of humour and brimming with love.
Northanger Abbey will be showing at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, until 24 February. Find out more: cli.re/7EWrj4
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