There are many non-professional theatre groups in the London area, and it is always good to welcome another, especially one based at The Glitch in Waterloo and boasting a predominantly youthful cast who can imbue their performances with great energy.
Not only that, but rather than choose an already published piece, four of them – Roo Berry, Megan Farquar, Lauren Foreman and Tia Ray – have written their own script, based on the talent they have available. They have chosen to look at the “Great Scottish Witch Hunt” of 1597, when Margaret Aitken (Megan Farquar) was accused of witchcraft and arrested for that crime in Fife. She claimed to be able to recognise other witches and when she reached Glasgow, the minister John Cowper (Dan Davison) condemned many innocent women to death on her testimony. Margaret was exposed as a fraud a few months later and was burned at the stake in August. Following this, a Glaswegian, Marion Walker (Roo Berry), obtained a copy of her confession and widely circulated it.
The Witch and the Whistleblower benefits from an attractive score by Ell Thompson and Jake Dufton, the harmony in the ensemble numbers being particularly impressive, the cast singing from a backing track with the live assistance of guitar and flute. In fact, the music makes no pretence of trying to be in the style of the sixteenth century or Scottish, but instead is “folk” inspired. If only there were more of it, as there are many long passages of verbal interplay in this ninety-minute piece which could do with ‘breaking up’.
The dialogue sounds as if it has been devised by the company and then written down, and is none the worse for that, except that most characters lack depth and motivation. The ‘musical’ is at its most successful when all the cast is on stage, even if the lighting (uncredited) cannot quite cope with ensuring that everyone is always lit.
The ensemble works smoothly together, even if Davison as John Cowper insists on shouting most of his lines in the confined space of The Glitch. However, he seems to be the only member of the cast who attempts anything approaching a Scottish accent. The movement director, Vivi Bayliss, should be congratulated for some simple yet very effective choreography, and director Evie Kerr ensures that, on the whole, the piece has pace. But what really impresses is the commitment and enthusiasm of all involved.
Review by John Groves
The year is 1597. A woman is accused of being a witch. She can save herself, but only by condemning others.
The year is 1597. A community is crumbling. Neighbour turns on neighbour. A town turns on itself.
The year is 1597. A man plays god with a lie. A woman fights back with the truth.
A new folk musical inspired by the true story of Marion Walker and Margaret Aitken, in a time when gossip can kill, whispers become poisonous and speculation becomes a sentence.
Well-respected widow Marion Walker, horrified at what is happening to her town, decides to expose the truth about the witchfinder John Cowper and his newest ‘weapon’: a self-proclaimed witch. Margaret Aitken, under the threat of death, claimed she could identify a witch by a mark on their eyes…so is transformed into the world’s first female witch-hunter.
The fate of the town lies in the balance, but who will get the final word…the witch or the whistleblower?
Cast:
Roo Berry – Marion
Megan Farquhar – Margaret
Dan Davison – Minister John Cowper
Tia Ray – Edith
Lauren Foreman – JaneSarah Allwright – Hester/Ensemble
Polly Maltby – Anne/Ensemble
Jonty O’Callaghan – Minister Campbell/Ensemble
Meg Russon – Mrs Campbell/Ensemble
Sam Speed – Matthew/Ensemble
Crew:
Writers – Roo Berry, Megan Farquhar, Lauren Foreman, Tia Ray
Composers – Ell Thompson and Jake Dufton
Director – Evie Kerr
Producer – Maddy MacConnol
Movement Director – Vivi Bayliss
Designer – Hayley Rae
Stage Managers – Chaz Webb and Kirstie Campbell
THE WITCH AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER
The Glitch
8 to 20 April 2026
