Trials and tribulations of Miller classic

Published: 11:31 AM September 24, 2009 Updated: 9:15 AM October 11, 2020

After a summer of rehearsals Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society prepare to bring Arthur Miller's classic play The Crucible to the stage.

Set in Massachusetts, USA 'The Crucible' is based on actual events that in 1692 led to the Salem Witch Trials. Spurned by John Proctor, her former lover, Abigail Williams a young girl, calls on Tituba from Barbados to weave spells against Proctor's wife Elizabeth and so begins the 'naming' of countless innocent members of the community as witches. But it is the character of John Proctor who tugs at our heartstrings as he battles with his soul and finally finds…'Some whiteness in himself not enough to weave a banner but enough to keep it from the dogs of clergy'

The casting of the play involves a wide range of ages from ten to seventy five so this has been a good learning experience for all those involved. The young people featured in this play, many from Aylsham High School, have been given a wonderful opportunity to experience acting in a professional theatre and to learn from the older members of the cast.

Following a chance conversation about the old prisons in Walsingham, I visited the Walsingham Museum and was impressed not only by the prisons hidden away behind a car park, but also by the wonderfully preserved 17th century courtroom - the perfect locations to recreate moments Act 3 and Act 4 of the Crucible and provide wonderful publicity photographs.

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The Crucible opens at Sheringham Little Theatre on October 21 and runs until October 24 with a matinee? on the Saturday, October 24.

Tickets are available from Sheringham Little Theatre (01263 822347) from Little Theatre box office and group bookings can be organised by contacting Peter Howell (01692 678010) or via email at pandahowell@btinternet.com