The Crucible at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Arthur Miller’s timeless classic, “The Crucible” has once again lit up the stage, this time at its namesake, the Sheffield Crucible, offering a riveting and thought-provoking experience for audiences. Resonating with themes, as applicable when it was first performed in New York in 1953, this production is one not to be missed whether you are a seasoned theatregoer or a newcomer to the world of drama.
Directed by Anthony Lau, a visionary at the helm, the production navigates the delicate balance between historical accuracy and contemporary relevance with finesse. Written in the 1950s when in America anyone with leftist thoughts, was treated with suspicion as they challenged the American dream, Miller saw parallels with the methods used to extract confessions from suspects as the same methods used in 17th Century Salem to expose alleged witches.
Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes, with sparse yet effective use of props and stage elements, basically tables and chairs, by Geogia Lowe, and atmospheric lighting, by Jess Bernberg the audience to another time and place. The Crucible Theatre itself is a large space which at the same time feels cosy and the stage enhances the sense of claustrophobia and tension, mirroring the suffocating grip of paranoia in Salem.
The play opens with Reverend Parris, played by Sargon Yelda, finding his daughter, Betty (played by Honor Kneafsey), ill and being accused of witchcraft and possessed by the devil. Her and her teenage friends; Mary Warren (played by the extraordinarily talented Millicent Wong), Tituba (played by Giullianna Martinez), Amy Putnam (played by Laura Pyper) and Abigail Wilson (played by Rose Shalloo) claim they saw other women in the town dancing with the devil igniting suspicion, accusations, and chaos.
At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic figure of John Proctor, portrayed with raw intensity by Simon Manyonda]. His portrayal is a tour de force, capturing the inner turmoil and moral conflict of a man torn between his principles and the pressures of society. With each line delivered with unwavering conviction, Proctor becomes a beacon of integrity amidst the chaos, a figure audiences cannot help but root for.
Opposite Proctor stands Abigail Williams, the catalyst of the hysteria, brought to life with chilling authenticity by Shalloo. Her manipulation and deceit are portrayed with a subtle menace, her every movement calculated to incite fear and paranoia among the townsfolk.
The supporting cast further enriches the tapestry of characters, each imbuing their roles with depth and nuance. Whether it be the righteous indignation of Reverend Hale (played by Sid Sagar) or the blind devotion of Judge Danforth (played by Ian Drysdale), every actor shines in their respective roles, contributing to the immersive experience of the production. Miller’s exploration of mass hysteria, scapegoating, and the dangers of unchecked power feels as relevant today as it did when the play was first penned.
Running time is 3 hours minutes including a 15 minute interval. The Theatre has a bar serving snacks and there are plenty of eating establishments a short walk from the theatre in the city centre.
Tickets cost from £15.00
Rating: 5/5
The Crucible is on at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until Saturday 30 March 2024
For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-crucible-play-2024 or call the box office on 0114 249 6000
Crucible Theatre, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA