Jane Thornton’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” made for an imaginative evening at the theatre. The wind blew across the moors as we saw the open grave on stage that merged into a window seat surrounded by chairs waiting for their occupants. Minimalist in approach, this stage design by Richard Foxton did it all for this play of love and hate. John Godber directs and gets their all from his skilled band of actors, with skilled people distribution on stage allowing everyone to see all the action.

Heather Peace’s spiky tomboy Cathy was the centre piece of the evening as she convinced the audience of the heart rending tribulations that she was going through. Later she played her daughter Catherine Linton with just that subtle change of approach that showed the related character of the offspring. James Weaver played dark, troubled Heathcliff in the only one person part. Zach Lee had Hindley, Hareton and a servant to deal with. Nick Lane, good as ever, contended with Old Earnshaw, Joseph, Edgar and Linton to get his talents around. Louisa Hutchison got to grips with Frances, Isabella Linton, Nelly Dean and a voice. Sounds a lot to do for the cast, but it worked well and went almost seamlessly together.

The audience wondered what they were to see as the play got underway, but they were not disappointed as the wind blew. Yes it really did, as the actors sounded this other side to their skills, it felt cold and foreboding, not the sort of place where you wanted to linger. The time passed swiftly as the story of family intrigues unfolded and took us to its conclusion. Upon which the audience whistled and clapped their appreciation of the work done by this talented cast as they took their well deserved bows. Go see this play or miss a treat. © BA

“Wuthering Heights” is in Hull from the 9th October to the 1st of November, 2003.