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.
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The National Youth Theatre are in rep at the Ambassadors, giving the young people there a fantastic experience of a run on the West End. Whilst Evan Placey's play about consent is deeply flawed, this production does demonstrate the ability of British up-and-coming talent. It follows a teacher, played by Lauren Lyle, who, whilst teaching sex education, is confronted by a former student (Oscar Porter- Brentford) who accuses her of grooming and having sex with him. The first half is an interesting addition to the debate and consent, showing that there are no easy answers. The different strands are relatively engaging and, whilst a few bits need tweaking to ensure that the pace remains consistent, it is a solid piece of writing. The second half feels almost like a different play and seems to contribute next to nothing to either the debate or the narrative. It depicts the event argued over in the first half in pretty much the way I had imagined it in throughout the first. In fact, it detracts from it and seems to only demonstrate the actors' ability to perform in two totally different aesthetics. I wanted Placey to be as challenging and inventive as he was with Girls Like That but, despite wonderful and dynamic acting from a promising ensemble, the play as a whole falls flat.
