HAGS:
A Magical Extravaganza
A theatre show exploring 17th century witch trials with comedic storytelling, live music & magic tricks.
In Bideford in 1682, the final witch trial in Britain took place. Three women were accused of witchcraft, tried & hanged.
Now fast forward to the present day and name one female magician…pretty tricky. But tonight, three fearless females are climbing out of their boxes, shaking off the sequins and investigating what really happened in a small town in North Devon 300 years ago.
Packed full of magic tricks, physical comedy & live music, our magiciennes explore the witch-hunt mania that swept the country and sent hundreds of innocent women to the gallows. With mind-blowing illusions, stupendous stunts and the occasional disappearing rabbit, ‘Hags’ sets the record straight for thousands of falsely accused women with all the joy, silliness & spectacle these three can muster.
The soundtrack is available here
Age Guidance: 11+
Content Warning: Themes of death and violence against women and contains suggestive dialogue
Cast
Mary Trembles - Sian Keen
Susannah Edwards - Laura Doble
Temperance Lloyd - Alice Higginson-Clarke
Andy The Musician - Andrew Armfield
Music created by Andrew Armfield & the company
Director - Katie Villa
Magic Consultation - Peter Clifford
Set & Costume Design - Cory Shipp
Lighting Design - Will Tippett (for 2020)
Lighting, Sound & Technical Management - Nathan Benjamin
Puppet Consultation - Joshua Lucas
Puppet Maintenance - Chloe Benbow
Project Producer 2022 - Sarah McCourt
Production Manager 2023 - Nick Gingell
Production Manager 2024 - Elaine Faulkner
Tour Technicians 2024 - Lewis Mcguire & Nathan Benjamin
BBC Radio 4’s Front Row
On 29 October 2019, we went on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row while the show was in early development. We were interviewed by Sarah Gosling and chatted about Exeter’s historic witch trials, our love for performing in village halls and how the South West’s creative community has helped us get where we are today. We also performed a song from the show: You can listen here.
This production was commissioned by Beaford’s Made in Devon Fund and is also supported by Arts Council England & the Barbican Theatre Plymouth.