Spellbinding fantasy coming to the boil

Witchcraft, murder and romance are stirred in a cauldron of fantasy comedy at the Little Theatre this Spring.

A 22-strong cast of local amateurs from the Little Theatre Players are staging Wyrd Sisters from March 28-30.

The show is based on Terry Pratchett’s sixth Discworld novel, and revolves around a trio of wildly differing witches. They are the intolerant and opinionated Granny Weatherwax, vulgar and down-to-earth Nanny Ogg and naïve Magrat Garlick who is fond of occult jewellery and bunnies.

The threesome find themselves given Tomjon, the young son of the murdered king, who they pass on to a troupe of travelling actors, and use their powers to wind the world on 15 years so he can get his rightful title and kingdom back from the murderous Duke Felmet.

Along the way there is a “play that goes wrong”, a love story, imprisonment, escape and Shakespearean-style plot twists, with a madcap Monty Pythonesque flavour.

Director Hazel Martin said: “It is such a fun show which is driven by terrific characters some of which I have exaggerated and added my own quirks – including some robbers who are not as you imagine them.

“There is a lot going on, and some cast members are playing three or four roles, as well as acting as crew to moving minimalist scenery and props around – so it is challenging but the rehearsals are going well.”

The atmospheric production will also involve smoke, echoes, rain, thunder and lightning through imaginative lighting, sound and back projection.

Key roles include Janet Hignett, Philippa Baillie and Anna Ryan as the witches Granny, Nanny and Magrat.

Anna, along with Ben Sayers (Duke Felmet) and Ezra Herring (The Fool) are all former pupils of Hazel, who is a retired drama teacher from Aylsham High School, where she masterminded musicals and plays during her 28 years there. She has also directed for Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Other key cast members are Tony Waeland (King Verence), Paris Mullen (Lady Felmet), Caius Law (Tomjon), Ian Bowland (Olwyn) and Steve Tuck (Hwel). You can find tickets and more information here or call the box office on 01263 822347.