A modern twist to a much-loved classic

F you’d have told me I’d ever watch a novel depicted by ballet dancers
I probably would’ve chuckled.That is until I saw the Northern Ballet’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

I am, largely, a great appreciator of this wonderful and touching art form, but I had never thought of watching one of the most iconic novels of the English language played out before me.

And it is not because I think little of such undisputed talented dancers; au contraire. It is simply because I cannot envisage the bone-shaking moments of the two protagonists searching for each other in a terrible storm conducted without the screams of “Heeaaathcliiiff”, “Caaaathyyyy”; the sound of which carries across the wild moors.

But if any group of people were to do this it could be none other than this unique selection of mesmerising artists.

Their classic and traditional moves allowed the dancers to depict the accurate time-frame of when the novel was set, but also introduced modern and somewhat more playful techniques to associate more directly with a modern audience.

Throw all that in with super-slick set changes and you’ve got a very entertaining evening lined up.

And it wasn’t just the more experienced dancers that jerked the tears of one or more theatre-goers.

True enough that Cathy Earnshaw (played by Matha Leebolt) set off her fair share of waterworks. She was simply wonderful to watch and moments between her and Heathcliff (Tobias Bentley) captivated every person watching them.

But for me, young Cathy (played by Rachael Gillespie) was definitely one I shall be looking out for in future. Her fluttering kicks and beautiful frame made me smile and see before me a child, hopelessly and breathlessly, in love.

Lauren Howard