Wuthering Heights

Arena Arts presented an original adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights for a short season at Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. Authentic to the novel, though obviously heavily abridged, this production featured costumes and settings that felt true to the story and era.

Featuring some filmed moments - which worked nicely aside from some voice syncing disparity, the rear screen was also used for setting scenes, via some high-quality projection. The set featured three preset areas, allowing smooth transmissions between the homes of the Earnshaws and Lintons, and of course the ever presents moors.

Central character Heathcliff was played with obvious dedication by Nathan Roy - and it appears to be a writing and directorial decision that we never bond with him or get to know him, despite his continual presence. Adopted sister Catherine is very nicely played by Ashlee McKenna, a gentle and lovely presence. It is difficult, within the time frame of the play, but I found it difficult to see the strong love bond that should connect these characters.

Catherine marries Edgar Linton, played with great presence by Zac Porter, more frequently seen in Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, while the now resentful and abusive Heathcliff marries Isabella Linton - given depth by Holly Jury.

The resulting children from each marriage are Cathy Linton, played with youth and spunk by Angelie Hart, and the dislikable Linton Heathcliff, perhaps played a little too well by Jack Riches - he was very difficult to like. 

A standout performance was Andrea O’Donnell as Nelly, a servant to both households at various times and the audience’s conduit as she speaks directly to us. 

The cast was nicely completed by Michael Harrison (Lockwood), Alistair Irwin (Hindley Earnshaw) and Romano de Gross (Hareton Earnshaw).

 Costumes by Janet Vinson, Sharon Mobilia and Zac Porter were lovely to look at, both of the era and well-chosen for character.