Wuthering Heights
This Piece of Theatre Has it All!
Reviewed by Karina Lawrence
Well what truly all encompassing experience this genius art form offers!
Wuthering Heights has opened in Sydney at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay. Presented by Producers, Andrew Kay and Liza McLean.
The stage set up is roar and authentic as you feel literally part of the production right from the beginning with certain cast members staged as everyone took their seats, the wings lifted, revealing the mechanical going ons during the production only enhancing this beautiful masterpiece.
From the moment this romantic period drama begins, you are treated with a mixture of light hearted fun and comical moments, along with the duality of deep dark and intense scenes and subject matter, based on this twisted and deranged love story of revenge.
The cast are exceptional and you feel truly privileged to see this theatre piece come to life. Adapted and Directed by Emma Rice from the 1847 original novel, the imagination and artistry of story telling is triumphant, that leaves you fully immersed and will take your breath away, literally, as every angle is bought to life with a new breath of magic.
With her trademark musical and visual style, Emma Rice brings new life to the classic story in this elemental new stage adaptation. Along with Associate Director, Laura Keefe the bold and ingenious production is a unique retelling of the gothic novel interlaced with intelligent humour and dynamic live music. Emma Rice transforms Emily Brontë’s masterpiece into a passionate, powerful and uniquely theatrical experience.
The captivating energy of Nadi Bhebhe who plays the Leader of the Moors as well as being the Associate Choreographer is infectious. A soulful performance you feel safe and inspired while you’re taken on this journey of heart break and charismatic passion. She holds an engagement of power on that stage and you are drawn to her at every moment.
Stephanie Hockley who plays Catherine is alluring, captivating and oers such a haunting brilliance to this role. The way she embodies the complicated layering of this character is brilliantly executed. Such a talent with an emotive and atmospheric voice that softens the intensity and creates peace whenever she sings, bringing the added layering of humanity to the mix of this characters complexities. 
Now, John Leader who is the Puppetry Director and plays Heathcli is true extraordinary. His commitment and powerful energetics during this long performance is certainly to his credit. A true example and expression of how one is moulded by it experiences and interactions during those crucial times of development. He becomes intoxicated and evil as his true desire with the purity of love sends him down the debilitating path of struggle for power and revenge. Leader’s performance is brilliant, as you certainly develop a love hate relationship for what his character represents while engulfed with his dedication, passion and incredible focus throughout the performance.
Sam Archer plays Lockwood, Edgar Linton and The Moores and brings a swift calmness to this in moments, rather dark intensity as well as a gentle comedy and joyful play. His theatrical element and timing is brilliant to watch!
Rebecca Collingwood who plays Isabella Linton, Little Linton and The Moors is exquisite with her playfulness and embraces each role with such a wonderful commitment and energy.
Most of the cast intertwine with playing multiple characters which can be a little confusing, so be sure to stay focused, yet for me it truly depicts their talent and embodiment of characterisation which is truly magical and extraordinary to witness.
Matthew Churcher plays both Hindley Earnshaw and Hareton Earnshaw as well as The Moors which certainly allows for the inter connection of the story line and oers deep dark layers ultimately bringing about jealously and the need for control.
Robyn Sinclair is vibrant, oering a deeper level of compassion and hope as she embodies the roles of Frances Earnshaw and Young Cathy as well as The Moors. Equally as engaging as she draws you in with her energetics and desire to please yet with a free and aloof nature that intertwines from the passing down of her Mother, Catherine.
Tom Fox welcomes us at the beginning of the show with his performance of Mr Earnshaw offering a kindness and beautiful example of values within humanity, whom is equally delightful and doubles up with his role as The Moors. As with Fred Double playing Robert and The Moors and Stephanie Elstob who plays Zillah and The Moors.
TJ Holmes plays Dr Kenneth and The Moors as well as showcasing his multi layering of talent by including the playing of the Cello as part of the live music throughout the show. Truly infectious and charming.
You cannot help but appreciate the true professionalism and artistry and sheer vividness this cast oers to this impactive production. Equally all with important roles to fabricate the complexity and pure genius of how this adaptation is bought to life. A ‘dream team’ that certainly deserved the standing ovation received from its adoring and appreciative audience.
The Creative Team are denitely an integral part of bringing this show together and equally brilliant in sharing some magical concepts to life!
The music is beautifully delivered by Composer Ian Ross. It’s impactive as we are taken on this adventure of delicate passion and the layers that true love often derives. It’s hauntingly brilliant and you will feel like you are on a spiritual journey mixed with a cross of theatrical brightness and that rock concert culture of empowerment. The musicians are brilliant!
The set’s, puppetry and costumes all add a unique sense of wonder and imaginative essence from Set and Costume Designer, Vicki Mortimer and Costume Supervisor, Anna Lewis along with Wigs and Hair Supervisor, Fay Lumsdale.
The sounds eects and visuals by Simon Baker who is the Sound and Video Designer enhances the storytelling aspect while adding a modern approach to this 18th century novel along with the Lighting Design by Jai Morjaria.
The cleverly impactive moments of movement is beautifully integrated during the performance again bringing to life the subtle simplistic movements that draw you in with this art of story telling or even connect the depth of emotions with the intensions of language from this period peace. It’s truly beautiful to watch and be transformed through with Movement Direction and Choreography by Etta Murtt and the Fight Direction By Kev McMurdy.
This piece of theatre has it all! Stage play meets rock concert, intertwines as a musical theatre sensation and comedy all in a bundle of magic genius.
First act runs for 90mins with the second act running for 60mins after interval.
The show runs for a limited time, so get in quick to avoid the disappointment of missing out on this classic, genius production!
