Wyrd Sisters

Dress Rehearsal Tuesday 24th April 2023

‘Tricia Barclay 

NODA SW Representative District 6

This adaptation was written to mark the 25th anniversary of the Discworld series of novels and is largely a tribute to Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, in fact the production opened as three witches gathered on “The Blasted Heath” with the lines “when shall we three meet again” and this Shakespearean theme cleverly continued throughout the play, Everything was there, a wicked Duke and Duchess, the ghost of the murdered King, a band of strolling players, some  not so very bright soldiers, and of course a Fool.

The King has been cruelly murdered by his cousin the Duke and his son, the rightful heir secreted away by the Witches and given  into the care of the travelling players who also hide the royal crown in their prop box! 

The wicked Duke commissions the self-same troop of actors to perform a play to show him in a good light to the people and cause the Witches to lose their power, alas surprisingly as is often want his best laid plans went awry! 

This production was very simply but effectively staged with a central raised area dressed accordingly with suitable props and furniture for each of the 23  scenes. If the audience was unsure as to where the action was next  a handy easel had been placed DSR with descriptive cards changed at the end of each scene, moving the action along, and placed in an attractive receptacle below – a clever touch!

This was a large cast, with a lovely mix of older more experienced performers together with new and younger faces, and everyone played their  parts convincingly and with sincerity.

The Witches showed their different characters from the outset, Granny was the most powerful taking  the lead in the proceedings, while Nanny was more down to earth and had some lovely scenes seated in a very nice rocking chair as she puffed her way her pipe. Magrat the “junior” of the three was particularly glamourous and had some lovely exchanges with the endearing young gentleman playing the Fool!

The role of the Duke was strongly played by the director, who driven by his ambitious wife became increasingly anxious as the play progressed, heavily intent throughout on removing a perceived stain from his hand resorting in the end to using a cheese grater! Lady Felmet, in a fantastic costume, was a commanding presence, like a ship in full sail, and totally determined to get her own way. 

Hwel, the playwright certainly made his mark in Act II and the ghostly King hovered effectively around the action wandering in and out with wonderful expression, the experience of both performers shining through.

However, this was very much an ensemble production with the whole cast working well together and supporting each other. Everyone seemed to be enjoying what they were doing and portrayed a warmth which spilled very much from the stage into the hall.

The costumes were elegant and suitable for the time - the Fool’s shoes were especially eye-catching. The lighting was effective, sound effects excellent, and what appeared to be real flames thrown from the witches’ hands as they cast their spells was simply amazing!

This was a very well-directed and well-played production, full of comedy and fun and made for perfect entertainment which feedback indicates was very well-received and enjoyed by audiences during the run. 

Well done!

 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

 

 

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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