What a delight it was to watch Ad Libs production of Wyrd Sisters. Set in the beautiful gardens of The Priory School Whippingham. It had everything, good acting, humour, some great choices of music including some great composers. Verdi, Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Wagner, which added to the atmosphere for scene changes and dramatic moments.

The story centres around 3 witches, a murder and a hidden baby heir and a missing crown.  Fiona Gwinnett was excellent as Granny Weatherwax a witch ably assisted by Nanny Ogg brilliantly portrayed by Maria Wilkinson. Abbi Leverton made up the trio of witches. Her innocent nature and eagerness to be as skilled as the older witches was a joy to watch. These three were superb together.

Si Lynch made a splendid Duke Felmet, his constant cleaning of his hands to remove the deceased King’s blood, whom he had murdered was quite amusing. Even using a cheese grater at one occasion.  Pip Lockwood the bossy wife of the Duke excelled in her role. It was obvious who wore the trousers in that marriage.  Philip Barker superbly played the Duke’s fool with much energy, jiggling his bells and prancing around. His facial expressions highlighted his comic character. Peter Stockman as King Verence was excellent and endearing as the ghost, showing his surprise when he realised the witches could see him.

There was much humour through the play. I particularly liked the scene where Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg stood astride their broomsticks and pretended to kick start them. To sound effects of motorbikes starting up. As they took off behind a black cloth small stick puppets popped up. To depict the passing of 15 years.

The Duke’s madness descended into paranoia convinced the woods were talking about him. He sent the fool on an errand to find a playwright to write a play showing he’s a wonderful ruler, that he’s not a murderer. After travelling for a long time the Fool finds a travelling company of actors and  writer and takes them to meet the Duke.

Ralph Edermaniger as Vitroller, an actor manager gave a stirling performance as did Martie Cain as his caring wife. Karl Whitmore as the writer Hwel gave a polished performance as did Patrick Barry as the trusted Sergeant. His facial expressions drew much laughter. Jacob Mills as Tomjon who had been adopted and brought up as an actor gave a sound performance.

Those in smaller roles also doubled up as Villagers and Guards who often did scene changes. Bet Bexon as the Demon who popped up out of a cooking pop was brilliant. Congratulations to the cast and director Fiona Boyle for an excellent production.