On the surface, The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1915-2005) is about the 1692 American witch trials in Salem (USA). Below, it's an indictment of modern society and specifically the American McCarthy Trials current at the time of its staging in 1953.

The first act takes place in Reverend Parris's attic room. It's shown with a minimalistic set of a bed, chair and chest - with a triangular set of rafters representing the roof. David Guthrie is very convincing as self-centred, conceited Parris. Deliveries of the other two main characters, Abigail Williams and John Proctor, are not as good at the start and both take a while to warm up. Ailsa Joy (Abigail) comes into her own when Abigail confronts Proctor, her former lover. Alexander Rogers as Proctor comes across as wooden - in what should be a very emotional scene - despite his imposing stage presence. Joseph Kenneway as Reverend John Hale commands attention from the instant he enters. Action builds as the cast deliver the pacey, clever script well. It culminates in a heart-wrenching performance from Laura Smith as Tituba. Her character is hounded by the townsfolk who don't understand her differences in culture, and blame her for the sickness of their children.

After the impressive end to the previous scene, the opening of Act 2 drags a bit, but this adds to the tension between Proctor and his wife Elizabeth. Their silences say more than dialogue. Here, Alexander Rogers's underplaying of Proctor works, but Sophie Ruggiero as Elizabeth delivers her lines with the emotion of the Speaking Clock. Both warm up as the scene develops, and the fiery tension between the two characters becomes captivating. Action is very well directed by Sue Baxter, and a stage fight is well-choreographed and genuinely terrifying. Props are used cunningly here too, and it looks as though Proctor actually slams an axe into a table. By the end of the scene, Alexander Rogers comes into his own. He simmers, broody and brilliant. He's so passionate as he throws Alice Evans (May Warren) into a wall that the whole set shakes.

Act 3 follows a short interval. Action moves to a courthouse as the trials continue. The set is again minimalistic but effective. Throughout the whole play the sound, lighting, costume and stage design are expert. Simon Vail as Judge Hathorne begins with a strong and commanding interpretation of his character. Joseph Kenneway shows the change in Reverend Hale's stance convincingly, and his doubts. Alice Evans shines in this scene as Mary Warren - tormented and manipulated by the others. Regrettably this is followed by an underwhelming performance by Ailsa Joy who fails to show any emotion at all when accused of sleeping with Proctor. The women pretending to be attacked by Mary Warren's spirit do it with conviction - funny and gripping stuff.

In the final act, Alexander Rogers stands out with a fantastic performance as beaten, bruised and broken Proctor. His makeup is superb - he's covered in dirt and grime, bleeding effusively from where he is shackled. It's a powerful, emotional finale which is excellently staged - making up for any of the production's earlier small shortcomings.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Laura Boone - Girl. Jessica Clare Bridge - Mercy Lewis. Barbara Denton - Rebecca Nurse. Alice Evans - May Warren. Judith Fantozzi - Martha Corey. Don Fathers - Francis Nurse. William Goodwin - Hopkins. David Guthrie - Reverend Samuel Paris. Ailsa Joy - Abigail Williams. Mina Katouzian - Sarah Good. Joseph Kenneway - Reverend John Hale. Colin Macnee - Thomas Putnam. John Mansfield - Deputy. Bryony Marshall-Falland - Betty Parris. Natalie McCormack - Girl. Gordon McGregor - Giles Cory. Benjamin Miley-Smith - Proctor Child. Dominic Miley-Smith - Proctor Child. Katherine Niesen - Girl. Yasmine O’Hara - Susanna Walcott. Alex Reid - Ann Putnam. Annabelle Robineau - Girl. Alexander Rogers - John Proctor. Sophie Ruggiero - Elizabeth Proctor. Laura Smith - Tituba. Richard Smith - Ezekial Cheever. Simon Vail - Judge Hathorne. Andrew Whiffin - Deputy Governor Danforth. Tim Younger - Marshal Herrick.

Company Credits: Writer - Arthur Miller (1915-2005). Director - Sue Baxter. Stage Designer - Jimmy Keene. Lighting Designer - David Long. Sound Designer - uncredited. Music - Bill Moulford. Production Manager - Conor Costello. Stage Manager - Gareth Morris. Lighting and Sound Operation - Marc Stratton. Make-up and Hair - Julia McCormack. Make-up and Hair - Moya Hughes. Wardrobe Assistant - Carrie Dodd. Set Construction - Garreth Morris. Set Construction/Flyman - Brian Plater. Set Construction - Louis Spiteri. Set Construction - Simon Vail. Set Construction - Tim Younger. Properties - Fiona Sinclair. Properties - Angela Myers. Deputy Stage Manager - Daniel Whitely. Assistant Stage Manager - Fiona Sinclair. Transport - Jeff King. Transport - Louis Spiteri. Programme - Colin Macnee. Programme Cast and Crew Photos - B>Don Fathers. Publicity Photography - Felicity Peacock. Publicity Graphic Design - TBI Communications. Publicity - David Guthrie. Publicity - Joanna Matthews. Oxford Theatre Guild Secretary - Joanna matthews. Producer - uncredited. Company - Oxford Theatre Guild. Website - www.oxfordtheatreguild.com

END

(c) Matthew Rose 2009

reviewed Saturday 4 April 2009 / Oxford Playhouse, Oxford UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com