Wuthering Heights - Royal Exchange Theatre

WITH a haunting musical score played live on stage and some choice dialogue that most definitely didn’t flow from the pen of Emily Bronte, Andrew Sheridan’s adaptation of this Victorian classic has a decidely modern feel to it.

That said, Sheridan, a theatrical export from Timperley, no less, and director Bryony Shanahan remain faithful to the dark, disturbing and desolate nature of the original.

One thing I liked about this heart rending story is that the young lovers, Heathcliff and Cathy, simply aren’t your typical romantic leads. Forget Cathy’s birthday and she’s likely to bite your ear off rather than skulk off into a corner, crying.

Likewise Heathcliff, found King Lear like as a child on the bleak but beautiful Yorkshire moors, is seemingly unconventional, unorthodox, yet captivating, thanks to Alex Austin’s irresistible, “in your face” performance.

Put him alongside Raknee Sharma as Cathy and you have a really dangerous double act. They’re a match made in heaven. But a few moments in their company is hard on the emotions. But I, as a newcomer to this tale, also found it exciting.

Thank goodness then for the light relief provided by Rhiannon Clements as the lovable Isabella, a character desperately in search of a man. Wuthering Heights is a little short on comic relief, but she’s highly adept when it comes to bringing out the lighter moments amid the northern gloom.

I also enjoyed Samantha Power as Nelly, a fountain of wisdom and a lesson in fortitude.

This production has certainly inspired me to pick up the original, something which eluded me even during my English degree days.

Until April 7. The box office is on 0161 833 9833. Star rating - *** Photo by Helen Murray