Q&A: Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick on Returning to Worcester Repertory Company in Northanger Abbey
17 July 2026
Returning to Worcester Repertory Company for her seventh production, Charlie Fraser-Swarbrick takes centre stage as Catherine Morland in this summer's Northanger Abbey. Having delighted audiences as Marianne Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility last year, Charlie is once again stepping into the world of Jane Austen, this time embracing gothic satire, vivid imagination and plenty of humour.
In this exclusive Q&A, Charlie talks about her long-standing relationship with Worcester Rep, the joys and challenges of playing Catherine, and how director Paul Milton's inventive adaptation brings Jane Austen's playful satire to life. From comparing Bridgerton with Dracula to imagining where Catherine would explore in Worcester today, Charlie offers a fascinating insight into the Northanger Abbey production.
Northanger Abbey marks your seventh production with Worcester Repertory Company. What makes the company such a special place to work, and what has kept you returning over the years?
There is a real sense of community within the company - it's always such a warm, welcoming and inclusive space. It's a bit cliche, but it really does feel like one big family! I have made many lasting friendships during my time with the Worcester Rep and, as a Worcester local, it's really special to be able to work creatively on my doorstep.
Having played Marianne Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility last year and now Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey, how do the two characters compare?
In many ways, they are actually quite similar - although I do think Marianne would be most appalled at the prospect of staying in an old, cobweb-covered Abbey! The two of them both have a huge imagination and are very spirited in their energies; they clearly have a huge love for adventure. However, Catherine seems much more drawn towards the macabre, whilst Marianne was quite romantic in her fantasies.
What part of Catherine's personality do you relate to the most, and what do you find the most challenging?
We both love to read! I think what I find most challenging is that Catherine can get so caught up in her own world, that she doesn't always realise when she's taken something too far. I'm quite good at being in tune with what other people are feeling, whereas Catherine can sometimes be quite oblivious to what's actually going on around her.
Northanger Abbey is known for its playful gothic satire. What aspects of that side of the story are you most excited to explore?
Paul [Director and Scriptwriter of Northanger Abbey] has created some wonderful moments where we take the audience into the story of ‘The Mysteries of Udolpho’ - the book that Catherine is reading - as well as other moments within Catherine's imagination, and the whole atmosphere of the play suddenly shifts. It's almost like we're between two different genres - as though someone were changing the channel between Bridgerton and Dracula!
If Catherine Morland could visit Worcester today, where do you think she would want to go first?
She would definitely visit the Cathedral, particularly to see King John's tomb, and the Crypt. Then she would want to climb the tower and look out over the city - and hopefully see the peregrines too!
If you could describe Northanger Abbey in three words, what would they be?
Exciting, energetic, and whimsically imaginative!
Worcester Repertory Company's Northanger Abbey runs at The Commandery Gardens from Thu 16 - Sun 19 July & Thu 23 - Sun 26 July. Tickets are available now via the Worcester Theatres website.
Photography Credit: F8 Creates