Review of The Height of The Storm by Florian Zeller

Don’t you just love it when you go to the theater, watch a play and find out two days later that you’re still trying to unravel the plot and its meaning?

If you do, then book a seat to this whirlwind play, now showing at the Barn Theater on Handside Lane.

I was intrigued to delve into the mind of Zeller in this mesmerizing flies-on-the-wall observation of human nature.

After watching the Master, Anthony Hopkins, enter The fatherI was looking forward to seeing this Barn production of a later Zeller play.

I was not disappointed.

As the stage lights up to reveal a charming French country kitchen, complete with full bookshelves, an Aga and a window overlooking the vegetable garden, we see a chair next to the bookcase waiting for its occupant to come back, doesn’t it, who knows?

Natalie Gordon as Anne, Andy Hill as Man, Jim Markey as André, Francine Ross as Élise in The Height of the Storm at the Barn Theater in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: John Davies)

The main actor is André, the father, played by Jim Markey, who captivated the audience with his solidity and a rich tonality.

But is he dead? Or are his two daughters, loving Anne, touchingly played by Natalie Gordon, and self-absorbed Elise, convincingly played by Francine Ross, grieving or just plain rude?

I thought I had it in hand until Mama Madeleine came back from the grocery store and completely took over the lunch plans with her mushroom and chive omelette. Suzie Major played her with a calm sense of authority.

Then flowers were delivered, by whom? And why? There had been a funeral, but whose? I had the feeling that I was slipping into André’s dementia, then suddenly Madeleine was no longer there.

Why is Dad waiting by the window and who is the mysterious woman (an intriguing Victoria Rive) coming to tea? Why is Elise with this horrible man (Andy Hill, kinda scary!) who obviously has his attention elsewhere? What did Anne find out when she looked in her father’s diary?

Don’t think I’ve given the plot away, no, just a taste, no different than the delicious mushroom and chive omelette lovingly prepared over and over again throughout the play. The plot develops and you are taken on a journey of reality and truths.

Andy Hill as Man and Francine Ross as Élise in The Height of the Storm at the Barn Theatre. (Image: John Davies)

The height of the storm is a play written for actors. Directed by John Davies, the play has energy and room to breathe.

He paved the way for every character in this powerful six-man squad to peel off another layer of truth.

I plan to see this fabulous production again – take her by the hand and enjoy the journey.

Tickets are available from the Barn Theater box office on 01707 324300 or online at www.barntheatre.co.uk