Warners Bay Theatre

Sallyanne Scotton Moonga has delivered an innovative adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey to Warners Bay Theatre.

Sallyanne, the writer/director expertly produced an original play based on Northanger Abbey with a sagacious amalgamation of The Mysteries Of Udolpho. She has created an ingenious addition of the female protagonist from Mysteries Of Udolpho, Emily St Aubert–essentially an imaginary character seen and spoken to by the main Northanger Abbey character, Catherine Morland. Catherine Morland has become so completely consumed in her Mysteries Of Udolpho novels that she has conjured Emily St Aubert to help guide and encourage her in her day to day life and dramas.

The main character Catherine Morland was played by Isabella O’Brien who delivered a phenomenal performance. Isabella beautifully captured the essence of Jane Austen in her role and transported the audience into the British Regency era. Catherine has an easy listening clear tone that perfectly executed the challenging period dialogue.

Lilly Dougherty burst onto the stage as the energetic and zany Emily St Aubert. Her vivacious and dynamic presence infused the performance with wonderful comedy delivered through an incredible array of dramatic expressions.

Tracey Gordon cleverly doubled as both Mrs Allen and Mrs Morland. Tracy’s acting was flawless, providing utmost authenticity to both of her characters. Alongside Tracy was Peter Vernon who played her husband Mr Allen as well as General Tilney. A wonderful feat by Peter who accomplished a fabulous portrayal of two very contrasting characters: Mr Allen, a sincere and devoted husband, versus General Tilney, stiff, uncompassionate and domineering. With dominating stage presence and an immaculate British accent, Peter Vernon’s presence was a highlight throughout.

Catherine Morland’s dear friends Isabella Thorpe and Eleanor Tilney were both portrayed by Jamahla Barron. Jamahla displayed admirable skill in her smooth transitions between her roles and showed great dedication to her characters.

A charming performance by Joel Latham who delivered the roles of Henry Tilney and James Morland. Joel was ever fast in his commitment to his characters and gave a solid performance.

Will Cesista was charismatic and entertaining in his roles of John Thorpe and Captain Tilney. He showed great devotion and diversity throughout and in particular I enjoyed his comedic carriage scene with Catherine Morland.

The Costumes by Peta-Elliotte Green were perfectly appropriate to the era accompanied by the ladies’ gorgeous hair styles by Ralf Jorg. Ralf has once again dazzled the audience with his creative brilliance.

The play featured original music composed by Rob Scotton which provided a pleasing background accompaniment. The sound effects were also skillfully and appropriately utilised throughout the performance.

The use of Shadow Puppetry by Ricky Moonga and Sallyanne Scotton Moonga was an enjoyable addition and provided some light hearted comedy. It was unique, playful and pertinent to the show’s content and period.

The Lighting Design by Lyndon Buckley was fitting to the moments of mystery and eeriness and then bright and bold for the vivacious scenes. In particular the candles and lanterns strewn about the stage set a pleasant ambience.

Sallyanne Scotton Moonga’s creative retelling of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is immensely entertaining and remains perfectly attuned to the style of Jane Austen. By masterfully breathing fresh new life into this lesser-known classic novel, Sallyanne and her incredibly talented cast have delivered a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable performance.

To book tickets to Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/jane-austens-northanger-abbey-tickets-1584693724589.

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