The Crucible

Bewitching production

VIVIENNE Cole's towering production of this Arthur Miller classic brims with fear, threats and suspicion as it tells of the 17th century witch-hunts in Salem, Massachusetts.

A superb performance by Richard Taylor as John Proctor, the man whose conscience puts him in peril of the gallows, is the centrepiece.

After the interval, the courts scene is dominated by Bob Graham, as the judge who is unswayable from what he sees as his mission to uphold the law.

The high point, nevertheless, is the sustained screaming outburst of the young girls led by Abigail (Georgina Biggs) when they see that Mary Warren (Rachel Laurence) is no longer with them in their crusade.

JS(Birmingham Mail)

Review from a patron

Watched The Crucible last night and would just like to say what a treat it was. 'John Proctor's' powerful performance was set off beautifully by his wife's character of stillness and understated moral depth.

The young girls hysteria was played with great emotion that at times was quite sinister and frightening.

All the cast however played their parts so well. They managed show, as the play requires, that a story of 17th Century is as relevant today as it always was.

Thanks for a very entertaining evening.

LW