Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters, adapted for stage by Stephen Briggs, has an appealing story with loads of clever allusions to Shakespeare, fairy tales and, if you want to see it that way, modern politics. Its humour is idiosyncratically, mischievously wicked.
The sisters are witches, the youngest just out of her apprenticeship and naively idealistic, while the other two are older, comfortably cynical and pragmatic. It falls to them to restore legitimate rule to a kingdom now occupied by a pair of murderous usurpers.
The play is a gift to community theatre because of the large number of distinctive parts for actors of varying ages and skills. At the Globe, 15 actors take on an even greater number of roles. Everyone does a good job, but especially impressive are Globe regulars Kimberley Buchan, as junior witch Magrat, Brook Bray as the unwilling and unambitious Fool, Helen Fearnley, comically imperious along Margaret Thatcher lines as Lady Felmet, and Laura Wells, as playwright Hwel and a couple of smaller roles.
Costumes, by director and award-winning costume designer Sofie Welvaert, take your breath away. Each - and there are many - is a gem of invention and fine detail; my favourite is Magrat's new-agey velvet finery.
Splendid moments include the witches' indecision about when the three should meet again, and a 15-year kiss. Sometimes, though, the performance doesn't quite take wings. When this happens, it's usually because of minor things, such as gaps between scenes, timing or rushed or indistinct lines. These problems may lessen as the season continues.
Overall, a superb team effort which delighted Thursday night's audience, and a quirkily different theatre experience, suitable for all ages. Fans of Pratchett's Discworld series, and everyone else, will enjoy themselves. The season continues until March 3.
-By Barbara Frame
