Lancashire connections
For a story that had its genesis in the county the production itself also has its own strong Lancashire connections. It was written by Richard Shannon, who has family connections in Colne, and the original creative team will be reunited for this revival, led by award-winning director Amy Leach, who was brought up in Darwen, and Lancaster actress Christine Mackie who plays central character Alice Nutter.
She is one of two of the original cast returning to their roles - Hannah Emanuel (Judith Nowell) is the other. New cast members are Robert Calvert (Roger Nowell) and Nisa Cole—like Christine, a familiar face from television—who plays Jennet Preston.
Christine Mackie explains how the process of research and rehearsal has allowed the cast to immerse themselves in the lives of their characters. “We have learned of the reality of the cruelty of just having to survive in the 17th century. What it’s like to live amidst religious repression; to desperately want to have a child; to have true friendship; and to have it taken away.”
She feels the story is as relevant now as it has ever been, and is also excited that “a bit of Lancashire theatre is going on tour. We’re flying the flag for the county!”
Sabbat will be performed at The Dukes June 7-16; Hoghton Tower, Preston, June 19-23; The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, June 26-30; the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, Surrey, July 3-7; and The Muni Theatre, Colne, July 10-14 before returning to Lancaster July 17-21.
Details: www.dukes-lancaster.org