The Witch of Edmonton

‘The wonderful discoverie of Elizabeth Sawyer, Witch’

Alas! The final directorial turn from the man and living legend Jonathan Keates has come, in the form of a Guy Ritchie-esque tragicomedy.  Featuring Morris-dancing
Fifth formers, a satire on the paranormal, and yet another deranged performance
from the infamous Noah Carvajal as Dog, ‘impressive’ is but an understatement
for the success of Mr Keates’ play.

Indeed it was rather complex, but nevertheless a worthy adaptation of the story by ‘diverse well-esteemed Poets: William Rowley, Thomas Dekker and John Ford’.  This was due to the costumes, performances, and makeup, and the lingering intensity of evil.  Whilst the plot threads are many in number, they all lead to one simple concept ostracism by the community and isolation from the world, culminating in several great injustices.

The beautiful and talented Sarah O’Keefe of CLSG is made to look like an estranged Elizabeth Sawyer, and her superb acting further adds to the depth of her character, who, shunned by the world seeks refuge in the Devil, appearing to her in the form of Dog (a barghest a term that Mr Keates will know, having been from the north himself!).

The plot is further made more intriguing by focusing on the domestic tragedy of Frank Thorney (aspiring actor Neel Sood), who murders his wife Susan, portrayed by Jessica Curtis. Curtis gives a passionate and darkly comedic monologue as she falls to the ground.  Frank is tempted by Dog, at the whims of Sawyer, who wants revenge on Master Thorney (a grey-haired Alex Schulte).  Things spin out of control as both Frank and Elizabeth are caught, and the poor old woman is the victim of
society rather than the perpetrator of crimes against it!

But the play would not have been as excellent as it was without the visceral mastery of sounds and images largely down to Nadine from the Art department and technical crew in the Drama department.  With Keates’ unique style and splendid
direction, however, The Witch of Edmonton keeps the audience engaged with its
themes and original and occasionally terrifying – take on the supernatural.

Ashman Misra 4M