Review by Emma Whitelaw
CHELSEA Players are renowned for staging exciting new writing,
but after witnessing their latest production, Arthur Miller’s
The Crucible, it appears they are just as brilliant
when reviving classics!
The tale itself is sublime, rich with complexity, three dimensional
characters and deep underlying socio-political commentary.
Under the fluid direction of Callum O’Neil, the 19-strong
cast pay homage to Miller’s prolific literary talent, whilst
at the same time giving the text a more modern perspective.
As relevant today as when it was first staged, The Crucible
is based upon the 1692 Salem witch trials. It may, at first, appear
to be a historical drama, but Miller also meant the work as an
allegory for the misery created by the McCarthy anti-Communist
hearings of the 1950s in which he himself was also accused.
A small town is torn apart by suspicion and unsubstantiated fear.
At the root of the hysteria lies Abigail Williams, the poor relation
of the local craven minister. The manipulative and vengeful teenager
is portrayed brilliantly by Nessa Wrafter.
Her uncle, Reverend Parris (Garth
Wright), discovers Abigail one night dancing with other young
women around a fire. Frightened by the consequences of having
been caught doing something so utterly forbidden, the lies and
Melissa James plays Tituba, the first to fall victim to the children’s
accusations. The circle of blame soon widens under the careful
leadership of Abigail who ultimately sets her sights upon Elizabeth
Proctor, played by the talented Clea Langton.
Abigail was dismissed from the Proctor’s employ after Goody
Proctor rightfully suspected her of having an affair with her
husband, John (Patrick Pilcher). Still lusting mightily for John,
Abigail sets about an unfathomable chain of events which even
she can no longer control.
The entire cast were superb! With such large numbers it would
be impossible to name everyone but notable performances would
have to be those given by Benedick Swann, as the morally tormented
Reverend Hale, and Sophie Henley, as morally weak Mary Warren.
Credit must also be given to Tim Heywood for his inventive set
design. The London Oratory Arts Centre is an exciting space and
I would argue Heywood has used it to its full potential.
Never failing to delight their audiences, The Chelsea Players
have succeeded once again!
The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Directed by Callum O’Neill.
Starring Bill Boyd, James Campbell, Sue Cockburn-Bowyer, Ellie
Graham, Anne Greenslade, Will Hartley, Sophie Henley, Melissa
James, Mike Knapp, Clea Langton, Tim Pierce, Patrick Pilcher,
Benedick Swann, Allon Sylvain, Gwendolen von Einsiedel, Richard
Williams, Nessa Wrafter, Garth Wright and Sarah Zeiser. June 1,
2, 3 and 4, 2005 at London Oratory Arts Centre, Seagrave Road
Fulham, London, SW6 1RX. Box Office 020 8946 2263