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Wuthering
Heights
Presented by:
Villanova
Players
Venue:
The Theatre,
Morningside, TAFE, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Saturday
6th June, 2009
I haven’t read the novel Wuthering Heights, and Villanova’s
production of the famous love story has left me feeling glad I never
made the effort.
Unfortunately, while the actors and team put in noticeable effort to
bring the tragic love story to life, it wasn’t engaging. I’m not
even sure there was an entertaining story to be brought to life.
I’ve heard admirers rave about the novel, “a classic”, “a timeless
love story”, so perhaps this script adaptation just hasn’t done the
book justice.
Beginning in 1801, we are introduced to the home of Wuthering
Heights, where Heathcliff resides. Mr Lockwood, who is moving to his
new home at Thrushcross Grange, is visiting the landlord Heathcliff.
Lockwood becomes intrigued by the strange atmosphere in the home,
and upon arrival to Thrushcross Grange, is informed of the
thirty-year turbulent tale of Heathcliff and Catherine. Housekeeper
Nelly Dean, who has been witness to all, takes us through the
motions of the ups and downs and strange round-a-bouts of how
Heathcliff has arrived to his current state. There’s plenty of
drama, death, and unrequited love. Sound interesting? Not really.
The role of Heathcliff is huge. A dark romantic, he is powerful and
emotional about everything he says and does, and Stuart Waters
wasn’t entirely up to the task. As the young and cheeky Heathcliff
he was convincing, but in Heathcliff’s later years the role was too
weighty for Waters to live up to.
Michaela Widdowson-Kidd as Catherine was more successful in her
role, but once again didn’t quite manage to convey Catherine’s
complex persona.
Ngaire Lock as Isabelle didn’t make an appearance until the second
act but was a breath of fresh air as Catherine’s disgruntled
step-sister. She appeared comfortable in her role, unlike some of
the other cast who seemed out of their depth at times.
Leo Bradley was another success as Hindley Earnshaw. The drunken and
tormented character violently roamed the stage, convincingly
expressing his heartache.
The remainder of the cast were adequate, but lacking the conviction
and passion that may have given this play more of a chance – if it
had one to begin with.
Costumes were appropriate and impressive. Catherine and Cathy wore
some striking dresses, while the men’s outfits were just as
intricate. Attention to detail was paid thanks to Colleen Lock, Leo
Bradley, and Audrey McKibbin.
Set design by Leo Bradley was also elaborate and achieved what could
have been complex transitions from past to present time.
The show as a whole needed more oomph, but with a script that I
don’t think had much potential, I’m not sure it would have made all
the difference.
Wuthering Heights
is showing until the 20th of June.
Bookings on 07 3899 9962, or at
http://www.villanovaplayers.com/
Kellie Scott reviews for her website
www.brisbanecritiques.com, which was launched in October of
2008. Her reviews can also sometimes
be
found at
www.absolutetheatre.com.au.
Previously her critiques for music and film have been published in
The Catholic Leader and The Satellite newspapers. She is currently
studying Journalism at university, and hopes to use this to develop
her writing skills, focusing on becoming a professional critic in
the future. If you would like to contact Kellie, please email
kellie@brisbanecritiques.com.
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