The Manningtree Witches at Colchester Mercury Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Caution: The show contains strong language, flashing lights, haze, physical and emotional violence, scenes of a sexual nature, haze, reference to miscarriage, post-natal depression and child death, and depictions of torture, smoking and hanging.
An absolute standout piece of theatre. Creepy, compelling and deeply absorbing, this production draws you into its world from the very beginning and holds your attention throughout.
Adapted by Ava Pickett from the book by A.K. Blakemore, the play tells the story of The Manningtree Witches and of Matthew Hopkins (Sam Mitchell), the first and only Witchfinder General.
Set in the 1640s, the story unfolds in Manningtree, a small Essex town forced into poverty by the English Civil War. We’re introduced to the show’s protagonist, Rebecca West, expertly played by Lucy Mangan, who truly makes you forget you’re watching a play. She completely captures the audience, who hang on to her every word. Alongside her, her mother Anne “the Beldam” West (Gina Isaac) is a force to be reckoned with. Though they may not always see eye to eye, it’s clear she fiercely loves her daughter.
The story follows the arrival of a mysterious man, Matthew Hopkins, from Suffolk who moves to Manningtree and reopens a previously closed pub. He presents himself as a devout, God-fearing Christian, convinced that people are either born damned or destined for heaven. He soon takes a particular interest in Rebecca, her mother and her mother’s friends, a group of widows who he grows increasingly suspicious of as potential witches.
After tragedy strikes and suspicions begin to rise, this group of women, Bess Clarke (Fiona Branson), Margaret Moone (Mia Jerome) and Liz Goodwin (Maria Louis), alongside Anne and Rebecca West, are pushed into the spotlight. The town begins to gossip, stories become distorted and accusations start to spiral.
The set, designed by Sara Perks, is simple but perfectly judged. It never distracts from the story and instead supports the seamless transitions throughout the play. The costumes, also by Perks, add subtle but effective character detail, with the chorus dressed in simple black and white period attire, while the main characters wear distinctive dresses that help them stand apart.
Lighting, designed by Lucía Sánchez Roldán, complements the set beautifully, helping create those same seamless transitions and adding atmosphere to key moments.
While the show deals with serious and often unsettling themes, it remains deeply compelling. It is eerie in a way that draws you in. You genuinely want to understand the story and the people at its centre, and I am sure I am not the only one leaving the theatre wanting to read the book.
There are also moments of humour woven throughout. One of my favourites was a character calling another a “great heaving trollop!”, which brought a welcome burst of laughter from the audience.
Even centuries later, the story resonates strongly. One phrase repeated throughout the play, “It doesn’t matter what is said, it’s about what’s written down,” feels particularly powerful. Women’s voices were rarely believed without a man’s word to support them, and at times it feels like that imbalance still lingers today.
We are reminded that although these women’s names may be forgotten, the man who accused them will be remembered. It is a stark reflection of how history has often been written.
It is also great to have a production like this as a local feature, with the audience clearly relishing the references and small details connected to the area.
I would absolutely recommend seeing this production. Although its two week run at the Mercury has already sold out, I would not be surprised if it transfers to London. It absolutely deserves to be seen by a larger audience.
The Manningtree Witches continues its sold-out run at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre until the 14th of March.
★★★★★
