Arthur Miller’s play uses the notorious Salem witchcraft trials as an allegory for the Un-American Activities Committee witch hunt of the 1950s. In both cases hysteria ran rife and people were required to denounce others to save themselves.


It is a powerful play made even more powerful by director Mark Wilson’s decision to stage it as a promenade performance. The intermingling of actors with audience added another dimension, making onlookers feel they were part of the story. Seamless direction and a gifted cast made for an evening of pure theatre magic that held its audience spellbound.


The quality of acting throughout justified naming and commending everyone individually. Alas space means that only a few can be named.


Andrew Allen’s honest John Proctor burnt with ferocious passion while his wife shimmered with goodliness – a beautifully quiet yet strong performance from Lauren Varnfield. Kitty Newbury and Katerina Elliott provided two contrasting performances – one a cunning manipulator hiding behind a mask a sweet innocence, the other a delicate portrait of pure innocence.


Larry Yale impressed as his character moved from oily smugness to devastating remorse. Despite my known aversion to gender-swapping roles, I warmed to Lyn Snowden’s performance as Governor Daneforth.