Tanya Landman: Wuthering Heights

Award-winning author Tanya Landman has now written more than 40 books for young people, but started out as an actress, puppeteer and storyteller. At last year's Fringe she premiered her first ever one-woman show Jane Eyre. She had such a marvellous time performing and got such a positive response from audiences that she's back for more in 2024.

Tanya Landman said, "I first read Wuthering Heights when I was fourteen and I remember being utterly blown away by it. Back then I thought Heathcliff was wildly romantic. Re-reading it years later my views about him are a bit different, but I still have massive sympathy for Cathy and the terrible predicament she finds herself in. Wuthering Heights has a famously unreliable narrator - Nelly Dean - who clearly dislikes Cathy and has no pity for her. I want to give Cathy's ghost the chance to tell her own story."

Tanya says this is an opportunity to share her enthusiasm with other Bronte fans. "I hope they'll enjoy a new take on Emily's masterpiece. And for those who haven't read it - it will introduce them to a brilliant, beautiful, breathtaking story!"

Review by Mark Ashmore 06/07/2024

Like many, my first exposure to Wuthering Heights was in secondary school, I had very little understanding of loss and love at the time, and absolutely none of the loss of love. If only Tanya Landman’s extraordinary adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel had been available to me then, within just a few minutes everything I thought I knew about the story had been changed forever.

Anyone who saw Tanya’s production of Jane Eyre last year, will know her ability to find the beating heart of a story and present it for all to see, but with Wuthering Heights, these skills are given even more opportunity to shine, as she presents the story of Cathy and Heathcliffe, the incredible love the two characters have for each other and the multiple obstacles thrown in their way.

With this show, instead of focusing on the windswept Yorkshire moors and revenge, Tanya taps into the emotional core of these characters and despite the years of misfortune that befall them, is able to bring us joy, the kind of joy that can only be felt by being in the company of the person you adore.

While it’s true that these characters make mistakes and pay for them dearly, this masterclass in adaptation never lets us forget exactly why Kathy and Heathcliffe made them. The empathy Tanya displays for the young couple, forced to make so many decisions beyond their years, brings a new perspective to this tale. One that strengthens the bond between the lovers, and offers the audience a clear understanding of why they would endure such torment.

Having Cathy’s journey explained to us, as she looks back at her own life, allows her to find the humour in her predicament, there were laughs from the audience throughout this performance, and while there were certainly also tears towards the end, they were for a young woman at peace, not resting in the everafter, but at peace with herself, for knowing that the love she shared was real and true.

This is the second incredible production in a row that Tanya has brought to the stage at Theatrefest, and her skills as a performer have only grown, the stage is where she belongs.

Don’t miss out, catch this show wherever you can.