Article by:
Hilary Porter
The passionate and obsessive relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff utterly absorbs us in this emotionally-charged, breath-taking production of Wuthering Heights by Northern Ballet.
Choreographer David Nixon’s inspired adaptation brings to life key elements of the narrative, focusing on the intensity and devastation of their doomed relationship with a company of first class dancers.
Working in collaboration with the composer Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon) whose score perfectly conveys the sometime joyful and sometime sinister narrative, Nixon conjures up the timeless setting and characters of Emily Bronte’s classic novel with outstanding choreography.
The simple, minimalistic sets, with the dark charcoal landscapes combine with atmospheric lighting to capture the untamed beauty of the Yorkshire Moors and mirror the brooding emotions of the lovers.
Last night we witnessed some wonderful performances, particularly from the female leads – Martha Leebolt as the older Cathy was simply perfect: graceful, passionate, truly outstanding.
The younger Cathy, Rachael Gillespie was also a joy capturing the fun and frivolity of the childish character.
Hannah Bateman as Isabella also gave an evocative performance.
Both Heathcliffs – Jeremey Curnier and Tobias Batley – proved powerful actordancers also and they were joined by some excellent ensemble dancers too.
Stunning period costumes also contributed to this visual spectacle.
From the start of the show’s two acts, we were captivated as sombre music and brooding scenery set the tone of Heathcliff’s anguish as he danced frenetically on the heath, recalling his youth when he and Cathy were once united in joy. By the time the ballet reached its conclusion it was difficult to imagine a more moving production.
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