​Whether you’re a seasoned Terry Pratchett devotee or couldn’t tell a witch from a weather vane, Wyrd Sisters is treat for any theatregoer.
This Discworld escapade takes place in the kingdom of “Lanca” (a sly nod toward the original Lancre), which feels perfectly apt—Pratchett’s world always did run on puns, stagecraft, and the traditional other worldliness.  As the programme cleverly notes, “Everything’s true—at least, everything someone believes to be true.” That line lands with particular force in this production, where the underlying theme of fake news and the importance of truth proves every bit as relevant today as when Pratchett first penned the tale.
Into this swirling narrative step our three witches: Magrat Garlick, the well-intentioned and naive novice; Granny Weatherwax, the iron-spined matriarch whose glare could curdle milk; and Nanny Ogg, the anarchic grandmother who treats decorum as a sport she has no intention of playing. All three were portrayed with delightful energy.
The unhappy land of the three witches, Lanca is plagued by a murderous royal couple, a wandering ghost, throw in a stolen infant, a travelling troupe of actors an energetic Jester/Fool and a lost prince. Blend in generous spoonfuls of Macbeth, a dash of King Lear, a sprinkle of Sleeping Beauty, and—because this is theatre—a love story.
Smart staging, imaginative props, and a cleverly employed projection screen elevate the production, proving that even witchcraft benefits from modern production design.
The Chapman Theatre itself is a gem: intimate, warm, and perfectly scaled for a fast-moving ensemble piece like this. It brings cast and audience into close orbit, enhancing the humour, the tension, and the occasional broom-related mishap.
Special mention belongs to casting as the witches are so true to their book form. Also, Nanny Ogg and the Jester/Fool, whose comedic timing consistently earned laughs, as well as huge kudos to the stand-in performer who stepped seamlessly into the lineup. Impressively, the entire cast delivered a polished opening performance free of any noticeable magical malfunctions.
Hope to see you at the theatre this week.