Presented by The Unseen Theatre Company
Reviewed Saturday 11th June 2011
http://www.bakehousetheatre.com
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide
Season: 8pm Wed 15th to Sat 18th and Wed 22nd to Sat 25th June 2011
Duration: 2hrs incl interval
Tickets: Adults $18, Concession $15, Groups (10+) $14, Fringe benefits $14
Bookings: 8227 0505, orhttp://www.bakehousetheatre.com/
What do you get when you have a reworking by Pamela Munt of an adaptation by Stephen Briggs of a novel by Sir Terry Pratchett?
A not to be missed production, is the answer.
This tightly worked show is a trip to the Discworld, complete with Death, strolling players, the Thieves Guild, a scheming Duchess, the witches of the title, et. al., and somehow in the midst of laughter the audience is left with an uncomfortable feeling that it’s their world, not the Discworld, that is being lampooned.
With credible performances by the whole Unseen troupe, clever set changes being performed by the actors, story-linking back projections and simply great costumes there are a few people who I will particularly mention.
Marlon Dance-Hooi’s totally delightful performance as “The Fool” very competently covers a wide range of complexity, including an unnerving remembrance of childhood cruelty, and he is also a master of convincing capering, which I am sure is a rare talent in itself.
Duke Felmet, played by James Loader with an insouciant descent into madness, was an admirable foil to Samm Blackmore’s coldly conniving Duchess, who was the real villain of the story.
Hugh O’Connor created a manic playwright, who stole the stage at times, and a deadpan Death whose lines always demanded our attention.
Pamela Munt achieved Granny Weatherwax’s trick of making us all believe that she is taller than everyone else around, and a side benefit of seeing Wyrd Sisters is that I now know that if ever I call up a demon it will be exactly as portrayed by Kahlia Tutty; world-weary, frightening in its total acceptance of its superiority, sarcastic yet, in reality, bound by rules.
Go and see Wyrd Sisters, there are so many good performances and, with Unseen Theatre Company’s enthusiasm and Sir Terry’s trademark humour, you can’t go wrong.
Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Special Guest Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
