A heart-wrenchingly honest tale of queer identities and self-acceptance.
Northanger Abbey is a truly breathtaking delight. Zoe Cooper’s interpretation of Jane Austen’s maiden novel takes a comedic approach to a gripping journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. A coming-of-age story in the form of a gothic satire, this queer reimagining provides the plot and characters with greatly needed depth. It is a beautifully poignant tale of identity, love, and acceptance.
A simple set and brilliant lighting design effectively portrayed the various settings and events of the story. Matt Haskins’ lights were perfectly suited to each scene; it is in the portion of the story which occurs at Northanger Abbey that they were most impressive in creating a gothic atmosphere straight off the pages of a Brontë novel. The costumes were pretty and a few well-chosen pieces made identifying the characters in all their various roles very simple. Movement director Jonnie Riordan impressed with the fun and effectiveness of their choreography and staging. Sound designer Holly Khan completed the audiences’ immersive experience with a soundtrack excellently suited to each dramatic or comedic moment.
The cast of this performance was small and exceptional. Each actor was able to effortlessly flit between comedic and dramatic moments, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. Rebecca Banatvala delighted in the role of Cath. She faultlessly displayed the overeager curiosity of Cath as she comes of age and begins to know of the world; Banatvala infused her character with a passion, self-determination, and fierceness that was lacking at times in the original story. AK Golding delivered an unexpectedly moving performance as Iz. Golding spoke some of the most poignant lines of the show and also many of the funniest, all of which were given with wonderful energy and passion. The development of the relationship between Cath and Iz, and its eventual downfall, was captivating made all the more so by the electric chemistry between Banatvala and Golding. While each actor excelled, it was Sam Newton in the role of Hen whom I found most impressive. Each actor wore multiple hats in this show but Newton wore more than any other and amazed with a genteel, sometimes awkward, charm in each role. Newton’s performance purely as Hen was rather beautiful; Hen’s character felt like a close friend or somewhere safe and warm, he was comforting. Best of all was the relationship between Cath and Hen which was not one of romance but of friendship where two souls, struggling with lost love and loneliness, are able to take refuge in each other.
Northanger Abbey is a simple tale of coming of age wrapped up as a gothic satire which Cooper has taken a step further, turning it into a tale of lost love and true self-acceptance. It is a story about the mistakes we make as we learn who we are and how we come to live with them. It keeps the audience on their toes, wondering whether they will be doubled-over laughing or holding back tears for the heroine? If you are seeking a show that will make you laugh and maybe make you cry, then I cannot more highly recommend Zoe Cooper’s Northanger Abbey.
Brilliantly written, faultlessly performed: Zoe Cooper’s Northanger Abbey is a triumph of emotion.