Theatre / Reviews
Review: The Crucible, Bristol Old Vic
The Crucible had its UK premiere at the Bristol Old Vic in November 1954 and for this new version of Arthur Miller’s famous work on the same stage, the themes are as relevant today as they ever have been.
Witch hunts may not be about actual witches any longer, but as director Tom Morris writes in his programme notes, during rehearsals Paula Radcliffe defended herself against accusations of being a drugs cheat and Jeremy Corbyn raised the spectre of a red conspiracy as more and more people signed up for the Labour Party leadership ballot.
Morris’ revival in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Miller’s birth and a decade since his death doesn’t have many of his usual theatrical tricks – ropes don’t become boats and there are no puppets here – but he creates distinct atmospheres from brooding intensity to simmering menace throughout the three-hour performance.
This is a play in four acts: there are the home of Reverend Samuel Parris and John Proctor, a Meeting House where the court is in session, and the Salem prison. In one memorable sequence there is even a glimpse into hell itself.
This latter scene was a hairs on the back of the neck moment, as the scenery opened up to reveal a gaping chasm, burning red in its intensity like a giant furnace, into which strode some of the accused witches.
Swallows and Amazons was so good it has played twice at the Old Vic. Its set designer Robert Innes Hopkins has returned for The Crucible, where his on-stage seating presents a unique view for those sat there – and makes the audience almost complicit in the action.
That action is held together by a cast who for most of this play are all on stage together. There is never any let-up in the drama, held together by Dean Lennox Kelly as John Proctor Neve McIntosh as Elizabeth Proctor, with fine supporting roles in this superb revival of Miller’s timeless play.
The Crucible is at Bristol Old Vic until November 7. For tickets and more information, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/thecrucible.html