Thank you to Karen Cannard from Suffolk Sound for this guest review
Powerful and phenomenal, from start to finish, A Tryal of Witches delivers a fascinating and hard-hitting glimpse into the power of Matthew Hopkins Witchfinder General – told by a cast of women and inspired by the 17th trials that took place in Bury St Edmunds.
Set against the historical background of the ongoing Civil War, a hot summer and a failed harvest, the story unfolds of suspicion in the community led by the claims of the Witchfinder General, wonderfully played by Emily Hindle. It’s a play of multi-role performances, with the actors switching so seamlessly between different characters: Rachel Heaton (as Sarah and Judge Godbold); Emily Hindle (Rose and Matthew Hopkins); Shaniya Hira (Mary, John Stearne and Sir Matthew Hale) and Lucy Tuck (Reverend John and Nathanial).
The costume changes, which take place in clear view but shrouded in darkness, form part of this transition as the story focuses on the accusations that begin to surround Anne Alderman (played by Claire Storey) whose herbs, tinctures and character attract suspicion of witchcraft. These suspicions arise from women and girls in the village, including Sarah, the mother of Mary who Anne had helped during childbirth and Elizabeth, a young girl (played by young actors Georgina and Jerry). With fuel created by the Witchfinder General, we watch the heat fall further onto Anne and how accusations spread to others. This even leads to self-confessions from others in the hope of rescuing loved ones, but to no avail.
Photo Credit: Tom Soper Photography
Written by Tallulah Brown and directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons, A Tryal of Witches, opens with haunting vocals, as the cast take to the stage. The vocals and music (composed by TRILLS) continue to be intertwined beautifully throughout the play, culminating with an emotive finale in remembrance of the women who tragically lost their lives at the hands of Matthew Hopkins and the witch trials.
A hard watch at times as is the nature of the subject, the story surprises with some light-hearted humour that is cleverly sprinkled through the dialogue. The all-female cast is superb throughout, bringing this horrific period of paranoia and superstition back to life four centuries later. Thoroughly recommended.
A Tryal of Witches is a brand-new play at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds until Saturday 22 March. For further information and to book tickets visit their website
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