Wuthering Heights, Ambassadors Theatre **

Emily Bronte's classic novel has been given a radical makeover in Stephanie Street's new adaptation in a production from the National Youth Theatre. Street's narrative arc in this adaptation feels both uneventful (which is often a problem in stage versions of novels) and rushed in an attempt to fit about 350 pages of story into under 2 hours of material. Scenes between older Kathy and Heathcliffe appear to have no particular purpose other than to reminisce and argue whilst alternating younger Heathcliffe and Kathy seems to only be done in order for all of the company to have a part. Cecillia Carey's set design manages to maintain the gothic nature of the novel whilst making it feel updated and modern and the ensemble cast give admirable performances. However, these upsides don't stop this evening from feeling unsatisfying and unfinished.