Witchfinder

This show set in 1612 is fairly new to the circuit and is set in Pendle, Lancashire at the time of the Witch trials. The show has recently had a re-write making it shorter than the previous show and (having seen it before in 2009) the new version is a lot stronger than the original taking out some dialogue which set this show at a faster pace. The set although simple was multi purpose and different props were used to continue the flow of the piece for scene changes. The backcloth was a little problematic but overall the staging worked really well and the direction of keeping the whole show moving was really well done. The costumes and wigs overall looked great but there were a couple that looked a little out of place. There was a large chorus with multiple parts but each one appeared to have defined roles and kept their characterisations well. The chorus numbers sounded fantastic and much work had happened to perfect the harmonies so a massive well done to the MD John Stevens who also put a great orchestra together. The principals were well cast from the young Emily Fitton as Jenet Devize who acted and sang her heart out to the more experienced cast members. Mike Conroy as Josiah was wonderful as the local tavern keeper. Fantastic delivery of lines and great comic timing added a bit of fun into what in the main is a tragic tale. Roger Dugdale as Potts played well as the one with a conscience who drinks to forget his part in the unfair trial. His clear diction even when drunk allowed the whole story to unfold. Keara Johnson as Alizon Device had lovely vocals on her solo and played well opposite Chris Law as Edward. Their singing also complimented and harmonised well on some of the bigger numbers. Alison Curran as Lady Sarah looked and sounded wonderful in her part as the posh love interest of Capt James Roberts. She acted well and had great vocals particularly in “Each Passing Year” a three way song with James and Catherine. James Cockerill played the dashing Capt James Roberts caught between Catherine in Pendle and Lady Sarah in London. James had lovely vocals on solo numbers and duets with both of his beau’s and acted well throughout. Sarah Thewlis was fabulous as Catherine Howard the feisty, passionate, kind hearted friend of Alizon who stands up to be counted against the injustice being thrown the villager’s way. The characterisation by Sarah came in layers and added to excellent vocals gave a beautifully well rounded performance. Steve Maxfield played Roger Nowell the magistrate sent by the King to try and sentence the witches in the most unjust way. His acting as the nasty, mean Witchfinder was very believable and I loved “In Your Nightmares” the solo towards the end of the show. Overall the direction on this show was great keeping the tale tight and yet allowing the emotions and injustice to shine through which never felt rushed. The diction in both dialogue and songs was never lost which in an unknown show is so important. The cast did a great job on a little known show which has some absolutely stunning songs to provide a great evening’s entertainment.

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