From witch hunts to the American Dream
Nelson Repertory Theatre is marking its 90th year in style this year, bringing to life contrasting productions.
Its first production next month is Vinegar Tom, written in 1976 by British playwright Caryl Churchill. It tells the tale of the subjugation of women during the 1600s when witch hunts spread like wildfire through Europe and America.
Inspired by the first woman prosecuted for being a witch in 1645, this powerful work tells the story of three farm women – Alice, Ellen, and Joan – who are unjustly accused of practising witchcraft.
Their crimes? Being old, poor, independent, ambitious, and not wanting to marry. And when Alice’s neighbour suffers numerous financial hardships and a professional witch hunter comes to town, things really start to heat up.
Award-winning director Anton Bentley said he was excited to bring this show to the Theatre Royal stage with a talented cast of local actors including Michaela Sheehan ( The Trial, Metamorphosis ), Molly Brealey ( Malediction, The Pink Hammer ) and Lisa McKenzie ( Pride and Prejudice, The Pink Hammer).
“While it’s set in the 17th century, the themes are as relevant today as they were then,” Bentley said. “It highlights the female struggles in the past and modern day, in an engaging and accessible way juxtaposed with modern songs.”
Bentley is going to be having a busy year. After The Servant of Two Masters in January and two award winning shows in the 2024 Nelson Fringe Festival, he’s looking forward to Vinegar Tom in May followed by Children of the Poor in July and then The Great Gatsby in November.
“It’s more shows than I originally intended but after Repertory needed to postpone My Fair Lady, I jumped at the opportunity to direct Vinegar Tom,” he said. “And of course having a big show at the end of the year is a fabulous Nelson tradition, so we decided to move The Great Gatsby to keep this great tradition alive.”
Repertory president Keith Marshall said they felt it was important to end their 90th year on a high, and the American classic was a toe-tapping masterpiece of flappers and fops, speakeasies and saps, obsession and opulence.
“Nelson Repertory has produced over 250 shows over the past 90 years, so it’s great to be adding to that with Vinegar Tom and The Great Gatsby. They’re such different shows, but a great way to show off the versatility, talent and skill of our casts and crews.”
Marshall said they were appreciative of all the support that Nelson audiences had given Repertory over the past 90 years and were looking forward to continuing to deliver a variety of musical, drama and comedy for the next 90 years.
Tickets to Vinegar Tom go on sale soon from the Theatre Royal.