MAGIC tricks, illusions and audience participation – what more could you want from a stage production?

Fortunately, Scratchworks Theatre Company from Devon combine both in their latest production Hags.

On at The Pound Theatre in Corsham, this magical extravaganza is their take on the final witch trial in Britain, which took place in Bideford in 1682.

Three local women, Mercy Trembles, Susannah Edwards and Temperance Lloyd, were tried for witchcraft, found guilty and condemned to death by hanging.

The small cast of Sian Keen (Mary Trembles), Laura Dobie (Susannah Edwards) and Alice Higginson-Clarke (Temperance Lloyd), accompanied by musician Andrew Armfield, make the most of the drama.

However, it’s interspersed with magic tricks, using ropes, cards and canvas bags, live music and songs, as well as physical comedy, to convey what really happened in the small North Devon town 340 years ago.

In the process, the three magiciennes explore the witch-hunt mania that swept the country in the 16th and 17th centuries and sent hundreds of innocent women to the gallows.

Using illusion, stunts and the occasional disappearing rabbit, Hags sets the record straight for the three women who were falsely accused.

I very much enjoyed the silliness and spectacle, and the magic tricks, music and physical comedy certainly kept the audience entertained.

Their dramatic conclusion was that witch-hunts are still going on today, which I suppose is true in this age where social media use can often lead to hate crimes that drive victims to despair and their death.

Hags is directed by Katie Villa, with music by Andrew Armfield, magic consultation by Peter Clifford, set and costume design by Cory Shipp, and lighting design by Nathan Benjamin.x

Scratchworks is an all-female theatre ensemble from Exeter. Using diverse theatrical styles, the company creates original stories with their unique blend of live music, dynamic movement and theatrical trickery.

Hags: A Magical Extravaganza was developed with support from Beaford’s Made in Devon Fund, the Barbican Theatre in Plymouth and Arts Council England.  

Since forming in 2013, Scratchworks has enjoyed sell-out shows at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London’s New Diorama Theatre, Salisbury Playhouse & VAULT Festival, gathering a loyal following throughout the South West.

During October 2022 Hags has continued its UK tour to The Pound in Corsham, and Malmesbury Town Hall before returning to Barbican Theatre, Plymouth where the show premiered in 2020.

Scratchworks Theatre Company will be back with Wild, Wild Woods from December 19-24.