Powerful performance by Rugby's young actors
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The CRUCIBLE By Arthur Miller. Presented by In The Round Theatre, directed by Robert Sloan and Darren Pratt, choreography and movement by Daisy Jones, original musical score by James Grady. In collaboration with Rugby Theatre. from 11 – 18 April 2026.
Review by Ann Evans
Rugby Theatre is currently enjoying a successful collaboration with the young actors and team from In The Round Theatre, opening on 11 April and running until 18 April. Co-director Darren Pratt said that they wanted to really give the budding actors something to get their teeth into, and they have certainly done that with this classic true story written by one of the top 20th century playwrights, Arthur Miller.
The American playwright wrote The Crucible in 1953 when the hunt was on politically for communist sympathisers. His story is based around the true events of 1692-1693 in Massachusette, USA, and the Salem Witch Trials. This was at a time when Puritans were building a new world and religion and evil were taken to the extreme. In the town of Salem, hysteria set in with girls at the heart of it blaming local people for bewitching them.
The story begins with the introduction of the locals, one by one telling the audience something of the situation, the place they live, and what was going on. As the story develops, the atmosphere becomes darker and there’s some brilliant choreography when the young people believe themselves bewitched.
The town’s Reverend, Mr Parris (Edward Dewes) takes his role throughout exceptionally well, with a huge amount of dialogue to learn, which he appeared to do faultlessly. His young niece, Betty (Honor Mills) falls ill from the ‘bewitching’ and is the focus for the villagers’ concerns. Excellent acting from her – and great screams!
Abigail Williams (Alice Guard) is another prominent character, who is in love with married local John Proctor (Louis Jones) who wants nothing to do with her – both play their roles so well, with great passion and commitment. Likewise, John’s wife Elizabeth (Vivienne Rowe); and there are some very emotional scenes between these two. A mention also to Mary Warren (Hazel Sloan) who is very much a victim in John and Elizabeth's situation - great acting from her too.
The story takes a more sinister role with the arrival of Reverend Hale (Isabella Präg), who seems to have the power to condemn anyone who doesn’t fit in with the regime. She has great stage presence as she glides quietly in and out of scenes, her gentle manner masking the influence she actually holds.
Gradually, the power of the religious figures makes its presence known, people are tortured and made fearful of losing their land and their freedom; lies are told as people try to save their own necks or distort truths for their own benefit.
Every one of the cast members take on their roles with passion and commitment. Another brilliant performance comes from Tituba ( Nyasha Usiku).
The majority of the cast speak in an American accent using language of that time period, which they kept up throughout - no easy task considering the complexity of the dialogue and the amount they've had to learn and understand. My one suggestion is that the actors don’t rush to get their lines out. Americans do tend to speak fast, but slowing down a little in the deliverance of their speeches would allow the audience to take on board everything that’s being said, particularly in the first act.
Act 2 introduces us to the judges presiding over the many arrests made of the townspeople. History tells us that 20 innocent women including 4 men were murdered, mostly hanged with one man (Giley Corey played by Zachary Mills), being ‘pressed’ (heavy stones crushing him); but also around 200 other innocents vilified because of the accusations made by the girls of the town. There is a fabulous ‘bewitching’ scene in court when the girls appear to be bewitched again.
Dexter Robinson plays the role of Judge Danforth wonderfully well. His portrayal of this powerful, self-righteous individual was excellent, and you could really feel for the victims, especially John and Elizabeth Proctor. Very powerful scenes indeed by these young actors.
Overall, not the easiest of plays to tackle, but they should all be congratulated on their performances and all the backstage work that’s gone into this production too. There are most definitely some budding young actors who will be going on to successful careers on stage, TV and film in the future. Well done to everyone involved.
In The Round Theatre is a non profit making organisation run by volunteers who are focused specifically on actor training. Any youngsters aged between 13 and 18 who are interested in acting should get in touch.
The Crucible runs until 18 April at Rugby Theatre. For tickets please call the Box Office on 01788 541234 or visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk
Additional information: www.intheroundtheatre.com
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