Witchfinder

The simplicity of the staging and the use of imaginative lighting set the scene for this story of when, in 1612, witchcraft was suspected in the Lancashire village of Pendle.  These were frightening times and suspicion and hysteria quickly grew.  We were taken from Pendle to the royal court, where decisions were made to root out this supposed witchcraft, and to various other locations.  Each place had its own designated lighting.   Usually, scene changes are best if they are swift and do not slow the flow of the story,  but this called for a different approach.  At each scene change there was a pause with a darkened stage, giving time to reflect and absorb the magnitude of the events of those dreadful times.  Depth and interest were added to the visual effect by the clever use of different levels provided by the steps at the front, and the raised platform at stage left.

This is a dark story and the director had ensured that this strong cast was able to identify with the people of those times.  There was a great deal of honesty and emotion in the portrayal of the characters.   Some actors had a greater input than others but all contributed superbly, there were no weak links.

 CODS is blessed with some lovely voices which enhanced the exciting score. The songs were beautifully sung and the choral singing was exceptional. Choral singing is a part of this society's regime and that training was apparent in the clean way each musical phrase ended.   The band was excellent and the sound balance was right.  The lighting was clever and exciting.    Costumes appeared to be historically accurate and were attractive.  It was nice to see an apparent absence of makeup for the folk of Pendle.

It is noticeable that where good diction is the norm for a society they tend to have full, or almost full, houses.  Audiences do not always know a show and, even if they do, they like to hear the words both spoken and sung.  Many in the audience did not know Witchfinder but thanks to the first class script, excellent direction, and, very importantly clear diction, they were able to follow and appreciate the story.  Although Witchfinder is not yet a well known musical there were full houses for the week and on the evening I was there the audience stood in respect and appreciation at the end of the performance.

CODS is to be congratulated on a superb production, the success of which is in a great part due to the very talented director and the musical director.

Witchfinder left me with a buzz which, at the time of writing, is still with me.  

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