I know this will be complete sacrilege to some of the cast and production team and many others!, but I don’t really know a lot of Terry Pratchett’s work – I’m sorry! Please don’t come for me!
As such, I did not have a clue what to expect with Whitehaven Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society’s production of the author’s Wyrd Sisters.
I had been told it was a bit of a parody of Macbeth, mixed with some magical twists. That’s all I had to go on.
We opened on the three witches who are the protagonists of this weird and wonderful tale.
Granny Weatherwax – the often rage-filled leader of the pack, played by the wonderfully versatile Emma Jarvis, Magrat Garlick – the daydreaming and kind hearted youngster, played by the sweet and heart warming Kayley Warden, and Nanny Ogg – the comedy element that balances the whole ensemble, played by the hilarious Ellen Elliot whose facial expression and delivery had me giggling a good few times!
Very quickly we are introduced to the witches’ plight. A baby is placed in their safekeeping, and they must decide how to protect this important infant. The fate of the very kingdom might just depend on it!
We then meet the seemingly troubled and extremely angry Duke Felmet, and his wicked wife Lady Felmet (played by Wendy Warden), along with their court fool.
Jason Fleming is reminiscent of Prince John of Disney’s Robin Hood in his maniacal ways and he poured his heart and soul into making the audience truly despise him.
Without giving too much away, the audience then become a little more involved in the story than they had perhaps envisaged… specifically if you’re sitting near the front! And more fantastic performances are given from the cast of the cast… believe me it makes sense once you’re there.
It’s at this point the witches’ plan comes in to action, and we begin to see how they intend to protect this precious baby boy during his highly important lifetime.
Back in the castle, we get our first glimpse of the many sides to the fool’s character. Craig Norendal was absolutely brilliant throughout this performance showing us his silliness, his shyness, his vulnerability and his general confusion about his life plans.
The witches’ house is another scene that brought some comedy and particular mention has to go to Sarah Blaney as the demon (and also later as Hwel). She played two completely different characters so well and had me laughing like mad with both!
This scene also featured some wonderful puppetry. There have been some fantastic animal puppets in WADAOS’ productions the last few years – I believe made by Emma Jarvis, and they are really a joy to see, bringing a lovely new dimension to each show.
A little later in act one, a worrying time arrives when Nanny Ogg is captured and threatened with torture!
King Verence is determined to start spilling the real secrets about just what is going on in the kingdom. Gavin Dodd played the king, and it was brilliant to see him back on stage properly because he absolutely nailed it.
His on stage rapport with Ellen cracked me up at times and the pair of them made a great duo.
It’s only right to also mention how much I enjoyed Sam Smethurst’s portrayal of TomJon. He always gives such a polished performance and is a true pleasure to watch.
All of the cast gave fabulous performances overall.
I don’t want to spoil too much more of the plot but sufficed to say, a plan is of course hatched both on the duke’s malicious part, and by the witches to save the day. Will the truth come out? Who will be the victor? Get your tickets and find out!
Along the way you’ll have plenty of giggles – including some more adult puns which slip right over youngsters’ heads but gave us a laugh, and you’ll get to see the fantastic set featuring a working revolve and some other brilliant bits and pieces crafted by Crew Rocks NW Ltd.
Get your tickets booked for a really good night out, before it’s too late!
Wyrd Sisters is at Rosehill Theatre, near Whitehaven, until Saturday, May 24.
