Following the success of last summer’s production of Vanity Fair, we are delighted to welcome back Moving Parts Theatre Company to perform their latest show in the stunning setting of the Creake Abbey ruins.

The power of stories.

The power of the imagination.

This summer, Moving Parts Theatre Company brings you Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.  A thrilling Gothic tale of dark deeds… or a playful, heartwarming Regency romance… let’s find out, shall we?

Moving Parts Theatre Company takes a fresh, inventive perspective on the classics.  Following the huge success of last summer’s Vanity Fair, this brand new adaptation, written and co-created by Joanna Nevin, Martin South and Simona Hughes, with an original score of music by Tamara Douglas-Morris and movement direction by Nevena Stojkov, follows the fortunes of young Catherine Morland, a wild devotee of “horrid” fiction.  Growing up in a world of balls, bonnets and Bath society, Catherine dreams of discovering secrets, skeletons, and ancient mysteries.  But does she have what it takes to become… a HEROINE?

Join us this summer, as we see how her story unfolds!

Bring a picnic and enjoy a glorious evening of drama, fun and inventive story-telling!  Tickets on sale in April 2026.

Arrive anytime from 4.30pm.

The performance will begin at 6pm. There is an interval at around 7pm and the performance ends at around 8pm. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks will be available just outside the abbey ruins before the performance and during the interval courtesy of On the Hoof (tbc).

The abbey ruins are open to the elements. Please dress accordingly and bring a chair and a blanket as needed. If the weather is too wet to go ahead outside the performance will take place in the Main Barn just beyond the Courtyard Shops.

Parking for this event will be on the fields by the shops with a short 5 minute walk to the abbey ruins. Disabled parking near the ruins will be available but please have your blue badge with you. The ground is a little uneven being grass so please bear this in mind when considering the use of wheelchairs and walkers.

We hope to welcome you to this fabulous production!