Pratchett’s askew view of life, the universe and everything has long since risen from cult status into a mainstream institution and, by reputation alone, Wyrd Sisters is sure to draw a crowd. However, transplanting Pratchett’s vivid world, that balances on the back of a giant turtle, to the confines of a modest stage is not a simple task.
Pleasingly, this adaptation has effectively condensed Pratchett’s characteristically sprawling narrative into a lithe character driven piece while, rather wisely, maintaining the wonderful and idiosyncratic mechanisations of the Discworld universe in the background.
Wyrd Sisters effectively lampoons, amongst other staples of popular culture, Macbeth but looking upon the tragedy of the murderous king from the alternative perspective of the three witches. The eclectic cast all have impeccable comic timing and have the ability to pull off anything from farcical tickles to wounding satirical stabs.
The only downside of this joyous romp is you can’t but crave to see Pratchett’s vision on a much grander scale. Even though the performances evoke the Discworld environment effectively, it would be brilliant to see this unlikely universe on a much larger canvas.
3/5
Simon Patrick Biggs
