The Crucible
Olivier Theatre, NT. October 29, 2022
It feels like its been a very long time since I’ve seen a production this good on the Olivier stage. I wanted to shout for joy. At last…
Lyndsey Turner. Es Devlin. Brendan Cowell. Erin Doherty and a sublime supporting cast with shout outs for Karl Johnson (always a joy), Rachelle Diedricks and Ellen Walsh (who was a stunning Goody Proctor). This production is powerful.
When the lights went down and the infamous water started flowing — there were audible gasps from the audience. The staging is stunning; something I will remember for a wee while. Some staging does that — Lehman Trilogy is another that remains clear. Brilliant — Olivier for Es Devlin for this one.
I’ve seen two John Proctors. Richard Armitage and now Brendan Cowell. Is it wrong that I found both of them incredibly hot? Well I did.
I loved the relationship between John and Goody — the tension as we learn that he has cheated on her and is now trying to redeem himself as he does truly love his wife. His moment of weakness came as his wife suffered post natal depression… and Abigail used it to her advantage. The tension of the judge pitting wife against husband — the love and respect between them is clear and the position they are now placed in is poignant and filled with sorrow.
The play is a masterpiece. And it doesn’t seem to ever get old. This is a superb revival.
5/5 Brilliant
