Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating: * * *

Cast: Daniel Ainsworth, Philip Arditti, Geoff Arnold, Victoria Bewick, Simon Darwen, Michael Hodgson, Liz Kettle, Christopher Price, David Webber.

Joseph Heller adapted his novel Catch 22 for the stage in 1971 and today the script is more or less unchanged. As it is difficult to get the rights to adapt the script, Northern Stage’s director Rachel Chavkin has done what other companies have shied away from, and has put her own mark on this classic war tale.

Set in the last few months of World War II, Catch 22 tells the story of bombardier Yosarian (Philip Arditti) whose desperate attempts to be sent home after fifty one flights leaves him trapped in the ruthless Catch 22 – either he gets killed, or someone else will. Living with the awful memory of his seeing his friend die and after attacks made on his own life, Yosarian pretends to be mad only to be told that not wanting to fly any more missions only proves his sanity.

As there a plethora of characters in the book and only nine actors, many double up on parts. Yosarian is the only exception to this and is played brilliantly by Philip Arditti. Michael Hodgson plays the more over the top characters of Colonel Cathcart and other parts, proving his worth as a fine character actor and alongside David Webber who plays Major Major and Colonel Korn provide the comedy and shows off Heller’s wit and skill as a writer. This is a strong cast, who do well to keep up with the fast paced scenes and jumping from one character to another.

The shell of a B-25 bomber dominates the Playhouse stage, designed by Jon Bausor, and looks very impressive as you wonder through the auditorium, and with the music and dance there is a great sense of atmosphere. However this is a long play and doesn’t quite hit the mark, not through the fault of Ms. Chavkin but Heller’s own attempts of transferring his complicated and textured novel onto stage.

Janie Phillips