Wyrd Sisters

This production was my first introduction to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. With particular reference to Macbeth, apart from a few other Shakespeare plays and a comparatively easy to follow storyline in modern English, the action of the plot was very dramatic and quite humorous in the main. One fabulous added extra was the opening music and much underscoring which added a lot of excitement and apposite feeling for the bloody and intriguing goings on. The production would not have been the same without it.

Murdered King Verence  (Steve Cronin) after a very short opening gave way to a autocratic rule by Duke Felmet (Chris Dale) and his wife, Lady Felmet (Alicia Marson). These two portrayed their usurped and evil lifestyles with great credibility.

The three witches, whose job it was to keep the kingdom running smoothly, were Magrat Garlick (Roz Hall), Gytha “Nanny” Ogg (Gayle Banks) and Esme “Granny” Weatherwax (Andrew Donovan). They acted as narrators for the entire story and did so brilliantly with much dialogue, great interaction, and some wonderful scenes where the two generations of witches had different views and held the time-travelling plot together well.

The Fool (Sam Taylor), a lonesome character, supposedly a commoner, but turning out to be a far more important person later, was a big part of the action and the large amount of dialogue, needing pathos and humour, was carried out well.  

The married couple, Olwyn Vitoller (Lizzie Alderton) and Mrs Vitoller (Tristan Smith) had some appearances together with their friend Hwel (Stephanie Rose Perera).  The playwright. Tomjon (Luke Moulange), the murdered King’s son was the last dignitary in this tale of retribution.

It was good to see a large number of supporting cast in the role of guards, peasants, soldiers, robbers and actors.

Many societies are using triangular or four-sided blocks for scenery now as this is a very efficient, quick and clever way of changing scenes. This was used to great effect in this multi-scened play.   

The technical team had plenty to do and the lighting had to be, and was, precise in the first few scenes, especially with the spotlights. I noted also that the costume department had lots of work in this historical enactment - all very well chosen.

I said that this was my first outing to a Terry Pratchett play but although I presumed that good would triumph evil eventually, it did not end as I expected - a rather strange twist. Nevertheless, a good play, great acting, excellent music and much hard work from all in the production team. Congratulations.

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