Wyrd Sisters			Download the programme.
Wyrd Prathcett tale
Grasmere Players production for this season gets off to an explosive start - quite literally - as Wyrd Sisters, adapted from the Terry Pratchett novel, makes exciting use of pyrotechnics and a variety of imaginative scene changes to conjure up the comic fantasy worl of the Kingdon of Lancre.
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		From the opening scene where the three witches, the Wyrd Sisters, meet to discuss the state of their country to the final righting of wrongs and a very satisfying conclusion the play continually delights with new takes on traditional heroes and villans - lost but rightful heirs, ghosts, magic spells - and offers more than a passing nod to Shakespeare's comic and tragic characters.
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Steven Metcalf hirariously the developing mania of the usurping Duke Felmet with his 'unclean' hands, and Rosie Money shows steely determination as the ruthless Duchess.
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		The 'wise' Fool, played with deadpan accuracy by Philip Birtwistle, has some startlingly realistic ideas on power and politics, while Vivenne Rees and Elaine Nelson as the experienced older Wyrd Sisters provide excellent foils for a stunning performance by Lucy Wright as Magrat Garlick, the excitable student witch, determined to practice her craft, bu making many hilarious mistakes along the way.
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Lovely cameo roles from Paul Wisse, managing to look and sound suitably ethereal as the ghost of the murdered King and Richard Lemmey as the Shakespeare look-a-like playwright, complete with Brummie accent, and on this occasion, also completely unfazed by the scenery's reluctance to remain in place. Excellent support from the rest of the cast and lively direction by Hugh Wright all contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment.
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PW The Westmorland Gazette, May 21st 1999.