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.

For 2026, Moving Parts Theatre Co. will bring an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel NORTHANGER ABBEY to life.  Although this novel has had fewer stage adaptations than Austen's other books, it is in many ways the most theatrical of all her works.  And the setting within the ruins could hardly be more perfect! 

The heroine, Catherine Morland, is inexperienced in the ways of the world, but a wildly imaginative devotee of Gothic fiction.  The actors want to explore the tension between reality and fantasy - as young women in the novel, constrained by limited agency and social expectation, seek an imaginative escape and adventurous outlet through thrilling Gothic narratives.

The intention is to take the audience on a journey which shifts back and forth between the world of Regency parlours and parties and the mystical, melodramatic landscape of the Gothic thriller.  Both music and ensemble movement will be key elements in effecting these transformations, and they will be working, once again, with composer Tamara Douglas-Morris, who will create an original score of music for the show, and with Offie-nominated movement director, Nevena Stojkov.

Enjoy a picnic and 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!