Katherine Ryan and Jon Richardson channel Cathy and Heathcliff in Withering Heights sketch for Comic Relief
jon richardson teams with Katherine Ryan to play Heathcliff opposite her Cathy in a new Comic Relief sketch called ‘Withering Heights’, an exclusive audition-tape send-up set to air live from MediaCityUK in Salford on Friday 20 March from 7pm ET. The short sketch will be part of Comic Relief: Funny for Money on Red Nose Day with a promise of a first-ever simultaneous live stream on the official YouTube channel. The fundraising drive aims to convert silliness into donations for basic needs like food, shelter and safety.
Jon Richardson and Katherine Ryan bring ‘Withering Heights’ to Red Nose Day
The sketch reimagines the famed Wuthering Heights casting process as a series of mock audition tapes titled ‘Withering Heights’, with Katherine Ryan cast as Cathy and Jon Richardson stepping into the role of Heathcliff. The piece riffs on the question of who might have tried out for the leading roles in the smash-hit film adaptation and parodies why other actors were chosen for those parts.
The segment is billed as an exclusive contribution to Comic Relief: Funny for Money and is designed to sit within a live Red Nose Day broadcast originating from MediaCityUK in Salford. The event will air on Friday 20 March from 7pm ET and will be available live on traditional broadcast channels as well as through online live streaming for the first time on the official YouTube channel.
Sketch purpose, format and fundraising aim
‘Withering Heights’ is presented as a short, high-concept comedy sketch — a spoof audition reel intended to make viewers laugh while spotlighting Red Nose Day fundraising. The programme surrounding the sketch is framed as an opportunity for the public to take part, donate or fundraise to help people access food, shelter and safety, the stated priorities of the Red Nose Day campaign.
The broader Comic Relief: Funny for Money show packages sketches like this alongside other segments with the explicit aim of turning donations and lighthearted stunts into material help for vulnerable people. Organizers are promoting multiple ways to get involved, including donation and fundraising options tied to Red Nose Day activity.
Immediate reaction and what audiences should expect
Early description of the sketch frames it as an unmissable moment for viewers who enjoy sharp parody: a playful take on literary drama recast as modern audition tapes. The creative pairing of Katherine Ryan and jon richardson is being presented as a highlight of the Red Nose Day lineup, pitched to draw attention and drive engagement for the night’s fundraising goals.
Technical details confirm the live broadcast will originate from MediaCityUK in Salford and will be available to viewers on traditional broadcast and online streaming platforms on the scheduled night. Promoters emphasize that the evening’s funds will be directed toward providing essential support—food, shelter and safety—for people in need.
What’s next: how to watch and what to expect after the sketch
Viewers should tune in on Friday 20 March from 7pm ET to catch the live show that includes ‘Withering Heights’ and other segments. The event’s live format and simultaneous streaming are positioned to expand audience reach and fundraising potential. Following the broadcast, organizers plan to continue fundraising activities tied to Red Nose Day, encouraging the public to donate or order fundraising materials to sustain the campaign’s support for basic essentials.
jon richardson’s turn as Heathcliff in ‘Withering Heights’ arrives as part of this live, charity-focused push that pairs high-profile comedy moments with direct appeals for donations to help those needing immediate assistance.
