Northanger Abbey @ Gryphon Venues at the Point Hotel

Review by Kayleigh Donaldson | 22 Aug 2013

The very nature of the Fringe forces companies to downsize, to get creative and to turn a little into a lot. Over at the Gryphon Venues, the Box Tale Soup duo of Noel Byrne and Antonia Christophers are doing just that with true style and creativity. Taking one of Austen’s more underrated novels, a tale of the young Catherine and her obsession with shocking gothic novels, the versatile and skilled pair have created a charming and accessible adaptation, one for Austen fans and novices alike.

With the help of six handmade puppets, which sit on the stage like a row of obedient children, and assorted paper props, Byrne and Christophers spin a witty and extremely agreeable tale that reminds the audience of just how funny Austen could be. The comedy flows naturally and never feels forced. Many giggles are to be had from Catherine’s carriage rides and her reading of the letter in the trunk.

The big mouthed papier mâché puppets invoke images of childhood and there is a definite fairytale feel to the story. Each puppet character is voiced distinctively, with the pair sharing each of these roles, and are imbued with bags of personality. Box Tale Soup’s approach is similar to that of the company Dumbshow, albeit in a more minimalist manner.

Box Tale Soup should be immensely proud of their work here and Northanger Abbey is a true hidden gem of the Fringe. Playful, creative, beautiful in its intricacy and a faithful adaptation of an oft-overlooked book. 

 

Northanger Abbey, Gryphon Venues at the Point Hotel, until 24 Aug (not 18), 6.15pm, 75 minutes, £9/£7 http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/northanger-abbey-1