Witches

On a cold night in January “Witches” certainly warmed us up at the Blackmore Theatre when the players presented this adapted version by David Wood, based on the book written by Roald Dahl.

The opening scene simulating the car crash, set the tone for the rest of the frequent scene changes that were necessary on a small stage. The painted scenery was well done and enough to create the atmosphere needed, together with the carefully selected music  

The cast were well chosen, Marcus Carson, as the Boy, had just the right touch for the role, as did Juliet Roach as Grandma. Her timing was impeccable.

The Grand High Witch played by Pat Peters took command as soon as she came on stage, and with a lovely Eastern European accent, splendid make up and a great costume she obviously relished the role. The coven of witches looked and acted their parts well, all interacted  with each other ,and some great comedy came from Mike Hamilton as one (rather butch) witch in the meeting scene in the hotel. Great stuff and just enough not to take it away from the Grand Witch’s performance

A particular mention of Victoria Bungay as Bruno Jenkins, who played the role so naturally you would have thought she had been acting for years!

The scene with the Boy up a tree and the Tree house Witch, played by Hilary Watkins-Field was very well done and her make-up particular good!

Some nice touches in this performance, the only slight issue was the scene changes. A pity that they could not have been reduced and a little quieter, but I do recognise it’s difficult in such a small theatre.

My congratulations to all concerned especially Director Andy Jury; it must have been great fun in rehearsals.

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