An evening of local amateur dramatics in the convivial café theatre atmosphere of Colyton Town Hall: what’s not to like?

Director Adam Owen-Jones set himself a huge challenge in choosing this 23-scene adaptation of Wyrd Sisters, a quirky tale by much loved author Terry Pratchett, adapted for stage by Stephen Briggs.

How to produce the huge variety of scenes required including a castle - inside and out, a dungeon, witches’ cottage, mountains, a forest and ‘the Blasted Heath’? On the small stage at Colyton Town Hall? And with a cast of 20?

Most would run a mile, but an adaptable, minimalist set coupled with credible props and furniture efficiently added and removed in each scene conjured each setting effectively. And if in doubt, which sometimes we were, there were useful descriptions on an easel set down stage right.

Costumes were really appealing, everything from elegant medieval style dresses, a witch’s bloomers and the Jester’s shoes. Lighting was very effective, especially a green hue whenever the witches were abroad, and sound effects were spot-on. Particularly astonishing were real flames thrown from the witches’ hands when casting spells!

With such a large cast it is not practical to mention individual performances. In this production every member of the company played their role with enthusiasm and offered individual interpretation, giving the production life and variety.

The play opens with three witches, one unusually glamorous, followed by murderous royals including a King with an obsessive desire to remove a stain from his hand, travelling players, a wise jester, a lurking ghost and a host of guards and villagers who all made their mark. There were many other nods to Macbeth and Shakespeare and a great deal of fun and well-delivered comedy. The cast were clearly enjoying themselves which ensured that the first night audience did too.

Amateur groups always need to attract new members, especially young people. There were many experienced actors in the company playing the main characters, but it was heartening to see so much new and young talent being encouraged.

This production relied on a large cast working well together and enjoying what they were doing which was certainly the case. This was an original and truly inclusive production and should be applauded for giving everyone a chance to shine. Congratulations to Colyton Theatre Group for an hugely entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable evening.