Liam Tamne wowed West End audiences as Ramses in the blockbusting production of Prince of Egypt till it closed this January. Not one to rest on his laurels, he’s now taking up the mantle of Emily Brontë’s tragic anti-hero Heathcliff in the National Theatre‘s marquee touring production of Wuthering Heights. He was kind enough to spend some time answering a few questions, in anticipation of the show’s arrival at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh this week…
Could you tell me a little about your history as a performer, and the path that’s led you to lead this production of Wuthering Heights?
I actually started out in the music industry in my early teens, and sort of fell into musical theatre and I was always singing and dancing. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so it was really free childcare how I got into acting in a way – through schools and programmes in summer holidays and half terms. I’ve done lots of musicals in the West End and tours and I was in the US when they were casting for Wuthering heights, and I got a message from my agent who asked me to come back to audition and it went from there!
For you, what sets this production apart from previous efforts?
I think the fact it’s very bold in its choices and the fact it’s so inclusive. I personally feel like Emma Rice is one of those directors that’s all about YES – what can you bring, what are your skillsets and she really encourages you to pour all of that all out and its always exciting to have a director like that and that’s why you see the production it is today – it’s so unique and is revolutionising theatre in itself – even down to the environmentally friendly set, the costumes – everything about it has had so much thought to put into it.
Would you say this is a dream role for you?
ANY role is a dream right now. Working as an actor is a dream and I feel so fortunate to do a job I love. Heathcliff is a dream as he’s such an iconic character.
Do you think the story retains the power that it had when first published?
I think it’s even more relevant today when you think of everything going on politically and you think about the situation in Ukraine and people fleeing their households and having to start a new life, moving into households where they don’t know anyone. I read this book when I was at school and knew the music thanks to my mum being such a Kate Bush fan, but it is still so relevant to this day.
How do you feel a stage adaptation changes the story?
I don’t think it changes the story – I think people can still have their own impressions of how they see the characters. One of the joys of reading is your own imagination that runs away with you. What Emma has done in this stage adaptation is really shown the true, gritty side of what I think Emily Bronte was really writing about and it’s exciting for audience members.
Who else amongst the cast and crew has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Probably Emma has had the biggest impact. Who she is as a human being, what she stands for; her morals, her principles, her ethos, her company of Wise Children. It is really a joy to be part of a company that really includes you and celebrates you for who you are and their individualities. It’s really rare in commercial theatre in particular – so to be a part of a company like that leads from the top thanks to Emma and Poppy Keeling , one of the producers.
What would you hope audience will be thinking about when they leave?
How amazing the production is!
ANY role is a dream right now. Working as an actor is a dream and I feel so fortunate to do a job I love. Heathcliff is a dream as he’s such an iconic character.
What’s next for you?
I have a little break after, but I have something at the end of the year, which hasn’t been announced yet so I can’t say… but it is exciting!
Do you have a dream play or role?
I would love to do some Shakespeare, and I would love to play Hedwig… I’m not sure that will happen. I also love to be part of things that are brand new.
And finally, Heathcliff, villain or victim?
Anti-hero isn’t he really. He is an amazing character, a misunderstood human being, who hasn’t had a great start in life. Was he born evil? Maybe. I think there are some characteristics that I think even no matter what traits wise he wouldn’t react the way he would. But nature or nurture – it’s a tough one. He’s a hero in my eyes – but I don’t have the same principles as him.
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