The Witch and The Whistleblower

Review by Penny

⭐⭐

Inspired by the true story of Marion Walker and Margaret Aitken, this new musical tells of a town visited by a witchfinder – the townspeople must choose whether to turn on each other, or join together and rise against the scheme.

The primary challenge with this piece is that it doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. Is it a historic or biographical piece showcasing the lives of the real women who inspired the work? Is it a commentary on how little things have really changed in a world that continues to demonise those who are different and challenge power? Is it trying to set up deeply uncomfortable moral questions about personal responsibility? Unfortunately, as an audience we end up with little to take away from a confused and busy narrative that doesn’t establish its characters or themes well enough to impact us as we would hope.

The original songs, composed by Ell Thompson and Jake Dufton, are pleasant to listen to but largely unmemorable and in desperate need of some lyric revisions. One exception is the all-too-short final song from Margaret as she calls out the system in which she is merely a pawn – an exhilarating musical moment! The joy of the show’s music lies in its stunning harmonies; composed and performed with care, they set a beautiful and haunting atmosphere.

The script feels a little basic, missing opportunities to bring the story into the 21st century with obvious foreboding parallels, and the piece needs stronger direction to make it more cohesive and engaging. Costumes are effective, as is the lighting for the most part, and the limited space is used very well with slick and clear scene changes moving the story along.

In a company of decidedly mixed talent, everyone gives their all on stage and the multiroling is generally effective. Dan Davison’s evil John Cowper is a stand-out performance, and Jonty O’Callaghan’s Minister Campbell is a delightful source of comic relief.

Though there is certainly much to improve, the enthusiasm and passion of this group of theatre makers shines through for an enjoyable evening of new writing!