Ruth Hepplethwaite reviews The Height of The Storm by Florian Zeller at the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Suzie Major as Madeleine, Francine Ross as Élise, and Natalie Gordon as Anne in The Height of the Storm at the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City.Suzie Major as Madeleine, Francine Ross as Élise, and Natalie Gordon as Anne in The Height of the Storm at the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: John Davies)

Don’t you just love it when you go the theatre, watch a play, and then find two days later you are still trying to unravel the plot and its meaning.

If you do, then go ahead and book a seat for this whirlwind of a play, now showing at the Barn Theatre on Handside Lane.

I was intrigued to dip into the mind of Zeller in this fascinating fly on the wall observation of human nature.

Having watched the master, Anthony Hopkins, in The Father, I was looking forward to watching this Barn production of a later Zeller play.

I wasn’t disappointed.

As the stage lights up to reveal a charming French country kitchen, complete with full bookshelves, an Aga and a window that overlooks the vegetable garden, we see a chair by the bookcase waiting for its inhabitant to return or not, who knows?

Welwyn Hatfield Times: 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 Theatre in Welwyn Garden City.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 Theatre in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: John Davies)

The main protagonist 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 portrayed by Natalie Gordon, and self-centred Elise, played convincingly by Francine Ross, grieving, or just plain rude?

I thought I had it in hand until mum, Madeleine, came back from shopping 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’d been a funeral, but whose? I felt I was slipping into André's dementia, then suddenly, Madeleine was no more.

Why is dad by the window, waiting, and who is the mysterious woman (an intriguing Victoria Rive) who comes for tea? Why is Elise with this dreadful man (Andy Hill, a bit scary!) who is obviously focussing his attentions elsewhere? What has Anne found out whilst looking into her father’s diary?

Do not feel I have given away the plot, no, just a taster, not unlike the delicious mushroom and chive omelette that is lovingly prepared over and over throughout the play. The plot unravels and you are taken on a journey of reality and home truths.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Andy Hill as Man and Francine Ross as Élise in The Height of the Storm at the Barn Theatre..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 that is written for actors. Directed by John Davies, who has ensured the play has an energy and room to breathe.

He has paved the way for each character in this strong troupe of six, to peel off another layer of truth.

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

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