Wyrd Sisters

Wyrd Sisters a play performed by Too Friendly Theatre Company at The Bijou Cinema, Post Office Street, Southport on Friday 8th July, 2022.

Before I start and contrary to the wise words of ‘Granny Weatherwax’… ‘We are bound to be truthful – there’s no call to be honest’… but, I have to confess that ‘Discworld Novels’ and the stories of Sir Terry Pratchett have somewhat passed me by, so recognising that such confessions are almost ‘heresy’ in that ‘cult world’… can I apologise now if I have missed any of the subtlety and references in the plot!

Stephen Briggs’ play, is adapted from Terry Pratchett’s ‘Wyrd Sisters’. Based on the popular Discworld Novels… the story is loosely based (very loosely based) on Macbeth, Hamlet and Bladderadder, with hilarious and heartfelt twists along the way! There are meddling witches, a paranoid Duke, an astonishingly clever fool, some surprisingly silly soldiers, a ghost of a murdered king and a host of other unique, sassy and clueless characters!  ‘Destiny is important, see, but people go wrong when they think it controls them…  it’s the other way around’!

It's been almost two and a half years since I last saw the Too Friendly Theatre Company on stage, the 21st February 2020 to be precise… that evening they performed ‘First Sight’ at The Upmarket Theatre in Ormskirk accompanied by the ever so talented Emily Parr who had written and was performing her one-women play ‘No Coward Soul’. So much has changed for us all since then!   ‘Too Friendly’ have a new home… ‘The Bijou Cinema in Southport and ‘what a gem’ they’ve found!  They are currently renovating an ‘upstairs space’ which has its own bar, superb interior surroundings, a real intimate feel and a venue for them and others to both rehearse and perform.  Downstairs… the most ‘gorgeous’ of intimate cinemas and a staff led by the most charming Director, Andy Harrison who just wants to help and show of his ‘little gem’!  If you get chance… ‘pop in’ (open most days), I’m sure you’ll be made to feel more than welcome!  

Joanne Wasilew, was not only taking on a leading role in this production, she was also becoming a first time Director!  I suspect that this wasn’t the easiest production to take on board for your first, but with a talented and experienced cast under her belt, who were obviously prepared to work their socks off… Joanne was able to bring this production to life… be proud Joanne, job well done!

‘Down to business’… but if I’m honest, I’m not really sure where to start!  Those that have read my reviews before will know this is where I usually ‘stick the old neck out’ and start suggesting favourites… but, in my ‘humble opinion’, the success with this play was never going to be about an individual… it was always going to be about ‘teamwork’… and ‘teamwork’ we got in droves… the result of which was a truly great show!

THE CAST… at the centre of this play were three witches ‘Granny Weathererwax’ played by Tracey Holmes-Smith; ‘Nanny Ogg’ played by Joanne Wasilew and ‘Margrat Garlick’ played by Jennifer Johnson...  and what a trio they made!   Individually great, together as a ‘coven’… amazing!  Created three wonderful individual characters, but it was their chemistry, their stage presence and comedic timing, that made them such perfect fits for these roles… all three never fail to impress… be proud ladies, very proud!   Cliff Gillies took on the role of ‘Felmet Duke of Lancre’, the mentally unstable brother of ‘King Verence I’ who he assassinates, driven by his wife!  Great characterisation, again a perfect fit for this role… loved the line... ‘Why do all my Ministers resign’…   well done Cliff great job!  Susan Fryer played ‘Duchess Lady Felmet’ the cruel and power-hungry duchess of Lancre, wife of the pathetic and mentally unstable Duke Felmet. Susan had a second role of ‘Hwel’ (a playwright). Again, great characterisation, worked ever so
well with the ‘team’… well done Susan, be proud!  Neil Woods took on seven roles, ‘Bedlin’ (leader of Vitoller's Strolling Players) ‘Vitoller’ (a strolling player), a Bowman, a Sergeant, a Guard, a Player, and possibly his lead role ‘The Ghost of King Verence’ of which he made a fabulous job of!  Neil is a great character actor and made this part his own, well-done sir!   Jenny Roby played just six roles, Mrs Vitoller (strolling player), a soldier, Chamberlain, a Demon, a Guard and her main role that of ‘TomJon’… son of the Queen of Lancre, the rightful heir to the throne of Lancre. Delivered by midwife Nanny Ogg, whom the late queen confides his true identity to. Another great characterisation, great stage presence... well done Jenny be ever so proud!  Helen Haygarth took on the roles of a ‘witch’ and a ‘guard’ and Philip Fryer took on three roles of a ‘witch, ‘Gumridge’ and a guard… well done you two!  That leaves me with just one and if I was going to suggest a ‘Show Stealer’, which I’m not, then it would probably have gone to Mickey Stewart who took on three roles, a soldier, peasant and the role that he ‘stood out from the crowd with’… ‘The Fool’, the Court Jester to the monarch. Mickey had fabulous stage presence, created a great character, the ‘unusual friendship’ with ‘Magrat the Witch’ played by Jennifer Johnson was acted out to perfection (the ‘kiss’ long… very long) … great job Mickey… be ever so proud!

As stated previously, the ‘Bijou Cinema Venue’ is an ‘upstairs space still under construction’… so the staging was minimal with basically, just a ‘portable stage floor’ and a lighting plot under the watchful eye of Helen Haygarth. The actors ‘entered and exited’ the stage area using the main ‘entrance door’ which gave them access to the ‘changing room(s)’ situated to the rear of the stage… sounds complicated, but being well-rehearsed, the access and exits were ‘swift and clean’ carried out in ‘blackouts’ and caused very little problem or loss of time!   

From the applause at the end and ‘chit chat’ from the audience as they left the theatre, there was little or no doubt that this production had been a success.  It was so great to see ‘Too Friendly’ back, in a ‘new home’ doing what they do best!  Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I, we really did enjoy the production and thanks for your welcome… can’t wait to get back to the ‘Bijou’ to see you perform again!

Stay safe and keep well

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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