Dec. 07, 2011 - Issue #842: Hroses
Wyrd Sisters Review
Out of a darkness rings a voice, edged with excited purpose: "When shall we three meet again?" A line immortalized in a certain Scottish play, but borrowed as such here, it's turned on its head: lights up on three witches checking their daytimers.Novelist Terry Pratchett is nothing if not a quick-witted satirist, and in Wyrd Sisters—adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs and here directed by J nelson Niwa—he has set his sights on The Bard. Witches, a murderous uncle and a spot of blood that just won't wash away all factor in this Walterdale production, all equating to a fun little foray down fantasy way, one that regardless of your feelings of the genre, goes down pretty easy.
Our trio of witches stumble across a royal culling in progress: servants carrying the infant heir to the throne fall before them. The three decide to save the infant prince by sending him out of the country, and, to return him to the throne, set about freezing time the country itself for 15 years.
There's a lot of little scenes, quick quips and short walk-ons from the 21-strong (!) cast. Of the bunch, Granny Weatherwax, played by Prudence Olenik stands out as the indelible head witch, as well as scheming rulers, Leonal Felmet (Andrew Mecready) and Lady Felmet (Heather Morrow). They offer pleasing contrast: he a blabbermouth with an increasingly extreme take on trying to out, out, the damn spot of blood on his hand, while she, more stonefaced Lady M of the two, makes a solid foil.
If there's a flaw to the adapted script, it's that it seems like a collection of really fun scenes, and less a well-envisioned arc; strung together as they are here, it's more a race to get from one gag or plot point to the next. But even then: its somewhat scattershot approach is a decently charming way to get there.
Until Sat, Dec 10 (8 pm)
Directed by J Nelson Niwa
Walterdale Playhouse, $10.50 – $16
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