The Crucible

The Crucible is a 1953 play by Arthur Miller set during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The story follows Abigail Williams and other girls who accuse townspeople of witchcraft to cover up their own illicit activities in the woods, leading to widespread hysteria, false accusations, and a corrupt court system. A central conflict involves farmer John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth, as Abigail, with whom John had an affair, accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft.

The open stage housed a bed, a large table and chair. The seating for the audience was arranged on three sides of the small auditorium thus creating a performance area within it it. As the play progressed excellent use was made of this area and characters entered and exited at the back of the hall. This was a great addition to the small stage which became part of the court room with a gallows towards the back.

The play opens with Tituba, a slave from Barbados, and seven young ladies who sing and dance around her. Rev. Parris sees this and soon after is on the stage next to the bed where his daughter Betty lies and thus begins the start of the accusations, rumours, mistrust and abuse of power.

Tim Diggle was outstanding as farmer John Proctor. Although he claims to hate hypocrisy and thinks of himself as being an honest man this belies the fact that he had an illicit affair with Abigail. His whole performance was filled with such fiery passion and emotion which he so brilliantly delivered but there was a moment, after he appears from a dungeon so believably dishevelled, when the subsequent meeting with his wife was so touching and heart-rending as they hug each other. Tim’s portrayal was just exceptional. I must just add that I loved the moment, as he was dining in his house at the table which had been brought down from the stage, he so avidly and literally devours the contents of his meal, whilst carrying on a conversation. Elizabeth Proctor, John’s wife, was perfectly portrayed by Rachel Callen. She captured the dignity and principled nature of the character even going so far as to admitting that John’s liaison with Abigail was partly down to her. She stalwartly defends him even though it leads to his downfall. Rose Robinson, as Abigail who was once a servant in the Proctor household but was fired after Elizabeth found out about the affair, delivered the vindictiveness, the manipulation, the devious and most sinister aspects of the role so impressively and with such conviction not only from her actions and exaggerated outpourings but also from her so expressive facial expressions. Another superb performance came from Phil McGough as Rev. John Hale. He was brought in as a reputed expert on witchcraft, which he hates. His unrestrained eruptions of fervent intensity were so powerfully expressed but he does eventually regret his actions and becomes the voice of reason when trying to save the lives of the accused. Ian Lawrence was great as Rev. Samuel Parris. He so splendidly represented the pathetic nature of the character who so much wanted to be the ‘man with power’ but thought more about his salary and the perks of his position. A super performance came from Peter Wilmot as Deputy Governor Danforth. He was most definitely in-charge of proceedings with such an arrogant persona. He was totally convincing, so self assured and confident in his beliefs. It was a top notch performance. Chris Pawley wonderfully portrayed the feisty farmer Giles Corey, famous for filing law suits. When his wife is accused of witchcraft he is distraught and is eventually held in contempt of court and suffers a most horrendous death. Anna Ruda gave a fine performance as Mary Warren, a servant in the Proctor household and a member of Abigail’s group of girls. She was the epitome of a vulnerable and shy young girl who was so easily influenced by those around her and her fearfulness was so visibly apparent. James Brown ideally portrayed Thomas Putnam, a wealthy and influential citizen who accused people of witchcraft and then bought their land, and as his wife, Ann, George Nuthall delivered a convincing portrayal of a heart broken woman who has ‘lost’ seven children, she believes by supernatural means. Huw Randall was splendid as Francis Nurse, an influential man in Salem, as was Susan Devaney as his wife Rebecca, a sensible, highly regarded woman who falls victim to an accusation of witchcraft. A most moving delivery came from Diana Frempong as Tituba. Excellent support came from Harry Diggle as Ezekiel Cheever, from Bob Higston as Herrick, from Bibi Ottley as Betty Parris, from Kathy Padley as Susanna, from Samantha Bridie Devaney as Mercy Lewis, from Liz McKenzie as Goody Hopper, from Sonja Longdon as Martha Corey, from Mary Wilde as Sarah Goode and from the Salem Girls, Esme O’Connell, Ava Hoyle, Andee Hoyle and Grace Day.  I was so sorry to read in the programme that Simon Brister had to step back at the last minute due to an injury, so the role of Judge Hathorne was imposingly delivered by Alicia Bloundelle. There were indeed some harrowing scenes which were all so effectively executed (sorry). The costumes were just perfect for the period, even down to the shoes they wore. The hair and make up, Laura Bateman, was spot on none more so than when ‘suspects’ were brought before the court from their spells in prison. To light, not only the stage but the large performance area was no mean feat and to that end Bryn Moorhouse had set up gantries, around the space, to house the required lights, resulting in a perfect lighting plot. The set, whilst simple, more than adequately fitted the needs of the play with the addition of appropriate props.

This was indeed a production of the highest standard and congratulations must go to Director Alicia Bloundele, to Music Lead Liz McKenzie, to Stage Manager Mac McKenzie, to all of the Back Stage Crew and especially to the exceptionally talented cast, each and everyone of them so deserving of praise. Also, may I thank the Front of House Staff for their very warm welcome. 

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