★★★★★

Because it’s premiere, Arthur Miller’s masterpiece The Crucible has been wowing audiences with its timeless themes, gripping storytelling and highly effective performances. Whereas many a revival has taken place since 1953, none appear so energised, dedicated and pressing than Lyndsey Turner’s critically acclaimed Nationwide Theatre manufacturing now enjoying the Gielgud Theatre.

A witch hunt is starting in Salem. Raised to be seen however not heard, a gaggle of younger girls instantly discover their phrases have a horrible energy. As a local weather of worry spreads by means of the group, non-public vendettas gasoline public accusations and shortly the reality itself is on trial.

As Abigail Williams, Milly Alcock is astounding. Alcock makes use of quiet energy to command the stage, erupting when wanted as she manipulates Salem. Brian Gleeson brings a rugged presence to the troubled John Proctor as he battles emotions of guilt and level-headedness in opposition to not possible odds. As his ill-fated spouse Elizabeth Proctor, Caitlin FitzGerald brings a way of dignity to the position and her troubled relationship with John appears ever extra fervent on this manufacturing because of this. Because the sniveling Reverend Samuel Parris, Nick Fletcher does nicely navigating this sophisticated character eliciting many a grown gasp from the viewers and Nadine Higgin has a robust presence as Tituba. As Reverend Hale, Fisayo Akinade delivers a commanding efficiency. Hales journey from spiritual stalwart to understanding Salem and its folks has by no means been extra personable than in Akinade’s arms.

Mixed with the engrossing performances on provide is Es Devlin’s sensible set design. A rain curtain falls from the proscenium arch and welcomes the viewers as they enter the auditorium. Set behind it’s a raked stage that dissolves into absolute darkness. This darkness permits the forged to run out and in of scenes as if showing from nowhere, scene modifications are accomplished by permitting the set to kind its form showing from the dim. A masterful means of affording the manufacturing a mysterious and otherworldly really feel.

It’s straightforward to see why this manufacturing offered out its unique run on the Nationwide Theatre. In a world the place social and political witch hunts and cancel tradition abounds, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible has by no means felt so related because it does in Lyndsey Turner’s new manufacturing. With out altering a phrase of the unique textual content or setting, Turner has created a manufacturing that’s utterly engrossing, intricately woven and completely riveting.

Reviewed by Stuart James