The Wyrd Sisters

The Wyrd Sisters

Carlton Players

22nd April 2023

 

This is a charming performance of a story by Terry Pratchett, one of the great British authors and if you’re a fan of the Discworld novels, you’ll enjoy this show. If you’ve never read any of these stories set on a flat world on the back of four giant elephants that fly through space on a huge turtle, then this play is a great introduction.

The Wyrd Sisters is Terry Pratchett’s spin on the Scottish play (Macbeth), where the Wyrd sisters check their diaries to see when they shall “meet again”.

King Verence of Lancre is dead, his son and crown are given to a coven of witches whose presence in the kingdom is considered to be lucky. The witches then pass the baby to a touring theatre company and hide Verence’s crown in the props box,indicating that a theatre is the best place to stash incriminating evidence.

The three witches carry most of the story, so their casting is critical to the success of this play. We are not disappointed Paula Condcliffe-Hughes as clever Granny Weatherwax steers us majestically through the madness, ably assisted by her sisters in sorcery Liz Youster hilarious as earthy pipe smoking Nanny Ogg, and Laura Smith as the charmingly naïve Magrat Garlic. The play really flies when all three are on stage as they bicker and banter with the affection and annoyance that these characters should have for each other. Tremendous performances from all three talented actors.

The fool, played by Alexander Breathnach, mastered the art of being funny without appearing foolish, a truly excellent imaginative performance. Well done, Alex.

 Other standout performances include Marc Smith's Leonal Felmet the Duke; he’s twitchy and wild eyed, totally bonkers and plays very well against Lucy Ashdown’s deliciously Machiavellian Duchess. Loved his game of eye spy in the dungeon, which is witnessed by the apparition (only visible to the witches) that is the late King Verence, played by Eddie O’Hare.

In truth, the whole cast are splendid, putting together a fast-paced rendition of Pratchett’s magical wit.  With many of this multi-talented cast playing multiple roles I will not attempt to mention individual performance.  Not an easy task!  All credit to Director Barry Prescott for his exceptional casting and talented stage crew, plus Liz Youster’s colourful costumes, not to mention twenty-three scenes!! 

The value in using “whatever you’ve got” is put to the test by Granny Weatherwax: anything could lie behind that black curtain! the coven utilises a scrubbing brush and two brooms to bring forth a demon.  An outstanding comic performance from a Little Theatre favourite, Gareth Crawshaw. What a team flawless, congratulations to all concerned

A terrific script, committed cast, witty music along with terrific sound and lighting contribute to a truly entertaining and fun experience that blends fantasy with subtle views on the madness of life. ‘Just because things are obvious doesn't mean they're true.’ Take note, leaders of the free world.

The Carlton Players performance of the Wyrd Sisters is a hugely enjoyable recreation of a Pratchett novel that doesn’t appear to be complicated but is fantastically multi-layered. Thank you for inviting me, it was a blast.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

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