Review of The Crucible with Erin Doherty (who played Princess Anne in The Crown) and Brendan Cowell, seen by Paul Seven Lewis in the Olivier auditorium at the Royal National Theatre in London. Arthur Miller's play, written in 1953, is based on the true events of the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century but is an allegory for the McCarthy communist 'witch-hunt' of the 1950s and a critique of what happens whenever an authoritarian regime tries to defend itself against opposition, says Paul. An impressive cast includes Sophia Brown, Nick Fletcher, Karl Johnson, Fisayo Akinade, Eileen Walsh, Tilly Tremayne and Matthew Marsh. The production, directed by Lyndsey Turner, provides an intense, shocking evening. The set by Es Devlin, the lighting by Tim Lutkin and the sound by Catherine Shaw, Tingyng Dong and Paul Arditti add to the tension.
Production photos are by Johan Persson.
The Crucible played at the National Theatre 21 September - 5 November 2022, and was filmed for showing on NTLiveand NTAtHome. It transferred with cast changes to the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End from 7 June to 2 September 2023. Milly Alcock took over the role of Abigail
Paul was given a press ticket by the producer.
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