Wyrd Sisters

This play is one that is not played very often, I assume because it has a huge cast of named characters and a great many scenes. 

I felt the Director, and his undoubtedly well-rehearsed technical and support team, really pulled it off, by keeping scene changes as fast as possible, using a very minimal set and few props, which worked extremely well, and kept the pace going throughout.  I felt some of the sound effects were a little loud at times given the size of the venue.

The cast were all well-chosen and some played several parts, which obviously took some thought and planning.

Costumes throughout were excellent, and I understand they were all custom made by the wardrobe team, which enhanced the overall effect of the production.  Good wigs too, I was particularly impressed with the overall effect of the Duke and Duchess and Magrat’s costumes. 

Lighting added to the feel of the piece, I particularly liked the projection of the witch flying over the stage, which caused amusement too.

This is a slightly fantastical play, which was addressed well, along with highlighting the funnier lines, keeping the audiences interest.  There is sometimes the choice to play this very seriously, but I enjoyed the play and thought the cast were very good.

There are so many characters that I cannot mention everyone, suffice to say there were some new and also returning actors on stage, who all entered into the spirit of the play.  There were a couple of prompts on the night I was there.

I was very impressed with Jim and Julie Markey’s portrayals of the Duke and Duchess, they got just the right amount of fantasy and reality, the business with the Duke’s hand was also marked but not overly so, very well done.

The three witches played by Pat Lay, Natasha Raouna and Eliza Jones were very down to earth about their supernatural powers, and created a very believable and sometimes creepy trio.  They certainly kept the narrative going and created their different personas well.

Lawrence Glynn was a fun Fool, with Ralph Camp giving us very different portrayals as King Verence and Mr Vitoller.

Scott Welch was a late replacement for Tomjon, and although perhaps not within the right age range, he gave us a convincing young man with plenty of energy.

I really enjoyed this production, it flowed well, projection and expression from the cast was very good, and what could have been a slightly serious play was given pace and humour, along with good understanding of the text.

My thanks to HD&OS, they made my husband and I very welcome.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.