Bathory The Killer Countess

Bathory the Killer Countess

The Woolgatheres

28/10/23

 

It is not every day you get an opportunity to see a self-penned, full-length play; I was really excited by the prospect.

The Woolgatheres of Heswall an experienced amateur society presented Bathory the Killer Countess, written and directed by Elliet Kinnear, the play tells the story of history’s most prolific serial murderer, Countess Elizabeth Bathory, the author using historical research to bring the real figures in theses events to the stage. There are twenty plus characters in this production which is a challenge for any director and stage crew. There are very good performances in this production, too many to mention individually so I am not going to try. Just accept praise for all your hard work to bring this unique play to life.

The set was simple totally perfect for the requirements of the multiple scenes within this lengthy production. Praise to wardrobe Elizabeth Youster and Jane Gorden.The initial scene set in 1610, the church in Cachtice where a number of Hungarian Reverends/clerics are all gathered discussing the number of suspicious deaths allegedly linked to the countries beloved Countess Elizabeth Bathory.  The Duchess’s alleged murders are discussed at length and the audience are in no doubt of the horror, dismemberment and torture the young victims endured. Realising they could not bring her to justice alone the clerics seek the support of the nobility.

Nobility

House of Thurzo

Count-Palatine Gyorgy Thurzo (Kev Roberts) and his daughter Isabella Thurzo (Aleczandra Wharton). First class performance from Kev Dawson of this complicated character. He is devious, calculating and will stop at nothing to achieve his political ambitions. Concerned for his daughter he forbids her to meet with Elizabeth Batthory. He knew of the Countesses atrosities, but said nothing until the final charges.  Aleczandra Wharton excels in the role of high spirited, ambitious feminist Isabella, who flattered by the countess is drawn into her toxic world of lies and corruption.

House of Bathory

Countess Elizabeth Bathory, (Katy Downs) Prince Gabriel Bathory of Transylvania, Baron Gyorgy Drugeth, (Adam Stubbs) Baron Miklos Zrinyi. (Paul Murray)

Katy Downes is a tour de force as the immoral countess, undoubtably the best lines in the play, masterly delivered by this very talented experienced actress.  The denial scene in Act 2 after her arrest when the charges are read was the highlight of the evening for me - outstanding! Congratulations, Katy.

Nephew Prince Gabriel (Adam Stubbs), hungry for power and wanting an outright war gave a splendid measured cameo of this obsessive character, a fine performance. He also got his war!!

As relatives of the countess who are fearful for their inheritance if she is convicted Baron Gyorgy & Baron Miklos conspire that a trial would be a disaster.  Adam and Paul gave real credence to these almost Blackadder like characters.

 

King Mathies 11 Habsburg (Lee Crosbie)

Solid performance of a man protecting the reputation of his court, torn between justice and politics.

Clergy

Phil Murray, Keith Hill, Ted Grant, Mike Webster, Chris Nall-Evans,

Linzi McCulla, (Ursinus Keith Hill daughter)

Judges/Notary

Terry Collister, Jace Clark, Mark Latham, Marc Smith,

 

Staff/ Servants

Shannon McMullen, Gareth Crawshaw, Kate Meakin, Linda Nuttall, Victoria Pownall, Linzi McCulla, Elliot Kinnear.

Taking our seats on the opening night at the Little Theatre we had no idea what was ahead. This original script written by Elliot Kinnear for The Woolgatheres tells a bleak morbid and brutally explicit tale of a prolific serial killer. What makes it more shocking is that the evil Countess Elisabeth Bathory actually committed these abhorrent crimes, but due to the exiting political, hugely male dominated society she was never brought to trial.

This production was a huge commitment it was challenging both in content and delivery I trust it was fulfilling for all concerned. Just an observation from the audience perspective, the play was very long, a hard listen at times, with numerous grotesque references to the victim’s ordeal, maybe a bit picky but perhaps rethink how often the offences are repeated.

Well done to all concerned for this brave production, it was definitely a thought-provoking evening. The villain of the piece Countess Elizabeth Bathory was exceptional. Thank you for inviting me.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

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