THE CRUCIBLE, Dorchester Corn Exchange

DORCHESTER Youth Theatre’s brilliant production of The Crucible had me on the edge of my seat. From the opening sequence where Bajan slave Tituba (excellently played by Sarah Dodd) ‘summons spirits’ with the teenage girls of the town, to the chilling climax in the courthouse, this cast carried the audience through the story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice.

Maisie Dean gave us an excellent, manipulative Abigail Williams who is the ringleader of the group of girls who ‘own up’ to witchcraft rather than face the wrath of the community leaders.

Her passion for John Proctor, played with great maturity by Christopher Hoare, has led her to be expelled from the Proctor household, but her feelings for him remain. Izzy Raws gave a beautiful performance as John’s pregnant wife, Elizabeth.

It feels unfair to single out performances in such a superb ensemble piece but it would be equally unfair to overlook the fine acting of Georgia Fournier as Mary Warren, the Proctor’s serving girl. She was in complete command of her performance.

Daniel Simons and Robin Hollis playing Rev Hale and Deputy Governor Danforth were also impressive. I am always impressed when young people on stage don’t stop acting even when attention is elsewhere.

Tom Bradbury was a great example of this, acting every moment he was on stage without drawing attention to himself with complete commitment to the whole production.

Director Jo Simons has long wanted to direct The Crucible and picked her moment perfectly.

JO BAZALGETTE