Shameless in Her Pursuit of Leading Roles
By Diane Parkes
WHEN actress Amanda Ryan was offered the part of Cathy in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights it was a challenge she could not resist.Not least because she had fond memories of reading the classic Emily Bronte novel.
"I actually read it when I was supposed to be working on the popcorn counter at the Odeon Leicester Square," she says. "I had a lot of free time in between each of the films and so I started bringing in books.
"I would be reading Wuthering Heights and have to keep putting it down for each film as people wanted their popcorn and I just wanted to get back to it."
With this April De Angelis adaptation of Wuthering Heights opening at Birmingham Repertory Theatre tonight, Amanda has been returning to the book a good deal recently.
"I keep reading through the book now as it is very helpful when rehearsing," she says.
"And what has struck me is that even though this production is only just over two hours there isn’t really much left out. Although some of it is condensed it is a true version."
Cathy’s doomed love for the troublesome Heath cliff is the stuff of literary legend and Amanda is only too aware that many in the audience will have their own ideas of her character.
"People do have expectations of something like this but I really hope people like this production," says Amanda, who is best known for the role of Sgt Carrie Rogers in the cult television series Shameless.
"But I love the character of Cathy. She is so free, awful and passionate. She acts on impulse and there is something attractive in that."
After three series of Shameless, Amanda is also enjoying trying her hand at something else.
"I was surprised by the response to Shameless," she says. "People are always telling me how much they love it. But I was desperate to do a play and come out of the comfort zone.
"It is great to be part of the creative process. And then when you perform each night it isn’t like television where it all has to be exact and then you move on. With a play each night is a unique experience and you are reliving it every single night."
Amanda, who trained at RADA and gained a part in Closer at the National Theatre, is keen to gain more theatre experience.
"I would really love to do Shakespeare," she says.
"Parts like Lady Macbeth, Rosalind, Viola or Hermione in The Winter’s Tale although I think I would wait for that one as you need to be a mother for that part.
"Actually, I am looking to meet the right man."
(c) 2008 Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.