angelophile | Annnnnnd... The review:

Bizarre but bewitching

The Lady's Not For Burning, Purbeck Players, Mowlem Theatre, Swanage

"AS I watched this play, the phrase "emperor's new clothes" kept running through my mind because, well directed and acted though it may have been, I really didn't have a clue what on earth it was all about, save to realise that it was - presumably – allegorical.

First performed in 1948, Christopher Fry's comedy is set in 1400 at the home of the town mayor. A crime-free ex soldier wishes to be hanged and a woman who may be - but probably isn't - a witch is to be burned at the stake. These two unfortunates are surrounded by a bizarre cast of characters whose conversations range from the mundane to the totally insane.

There were far too many prompts - hardly surprising given such a florid and wordy script - yet despite that and the strange content I warmed to both the play and its characters.

Strong performances abounded, not least from Nick Clarke and Louise Gough as the ex soldier and the witch, and Gina Lewis very much made her presence felt as Margaret Devize, the mayor's sister."

Linda Kirkman