THE Castle Players are back on stage this weekend with an adaptation of Anne Bronte’s controversial novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
The story centres on Helen Huntingdon who, after escaping her oppressive marital home with her young son and assuming the identity of Mrs Graham, a widow, becomes an independent woman earning a modest living from her paintings.
The book both shocked and inspired readers in early Victorian times, with the story dubbed by some as the first feminist novel.
Taking the role of Helen is Emily Wilson, while Sam Straker stars at Arthur Huntingdon.
The play is being directed by Mary Stastny, who has been involved with The Castle Players for many years.
“My first and last stage appearances with the Players was in The Taming of the Shrew. I played Bianca in 1991 and Katerina in 2005 and I was lucky enough to play many other Shakespearean roles in between times.
“But I’ve always loved directing and, as well one summer production, The Merry Wives of Windsor, I look back fondly on several winter productions such as The Owl and The Pussycat, A Christmas Carol and Cagebirds.
“We are going against all good theatrical advice by including both a dog and a child in this play by Deborah McAndrew but only because they might upstage everyone,” she joked.
There are three performances of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall at The Witham, Barnard Castle – at 7.30pm on Friday, November 11, and at 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, November 12. For tickets and details, go to www.thewitham .org.uk or call the box office on 01833 631107.
