The Play

Arthur Miller's chilling masterpiece chronicles the infamous witch-hunt trials which turned the community of Salem against itself. The events which he dramatises happened in Massachussets in 1692 & 1693.  Just 50 years previously the notorious Matthew Hopkins, the self styled Witchfinder General, was responsible  for a similar series of trials in our region as a result of which many 'witches' were hanged. We can imagine that what Miller dramatises about the US could as well be applied to East Anglia of that time.  Not the whole of East Anglia but that area of which Melford and Lavenham stand at the centre.  For it was round here that Hopkins plied his trade.

The play is even more relevant to Kentwell because a film Witchfinder General was made partly at Kentwell in 1969. This film is accounted by some to be among the scariest ever made; perhaps because it is based on real events.  In our award-winning Hallowe'en Event this year we hope to feature elements relating to Hopkins's notorious witch hunts. 

The Company

Black Ram Theatre Company a Norwich based company specializing in big name dramas which will be familiar to many. They have put on some really high calibre performances, including recently an outstanding production of One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Rosencrantz & Guilderstern are Dead.

The Cast

Jonathan Sidgwick (John Proctor), Tom Hartill (Rev John Hale), Bertie Welland (Dep Gov Thomas Danforth), Clare Harlow (Abigail Williams), Venetia Twigg (Elizabeth Proctor), Jennifer Kirby (Mary Warren), Maurice Byrne (Reve Samuel Parris), Ella Brown (Betty Parris), Nicola Biden (Mercy Lewis), Jean Summers (Rebecca Nurse), Ross Ericson(Thomas Putnam), Iain James Monteath (Ezekiel Cheever)

Director Ross McGregor   Designer  Matt Nunn

This Performance 

 Black Ram brings Miller's The Crucible to life with some interesting and novel effects. 

Where Played

This is the first performance of a play in the Overcroft at Kentwell which is located on the first floor of the building.  There is no lift.   The play will be performed in a version of in-the-round.  

Timings

The play will start at 8.00pm

Buffet Supper

A two course buffet supper at £12.50 will be available in the Kentwell Undercroft Restaurant from 6.30pm.

Refunds

There are no Refunds.  However, if you apply at least 48 hours before a performance Kentwell may at its discretion agree to exchange your booking for some later Kentwell Performance or Event subject to any extra payment that may be due.

Ticket Prices

Seats will be available for purchase on the night as below but may also be bought on-line at reduced cost.