There was a brilliant note in the programme for Sweet Witchery, a celebration of gothic-influenced women writers, held in the atmospheric environs of Mansfield College Chapel. It concerned one of the writers featured, the forgotten 19th-century dramatist Joanna Baillie. When Voltaire was asked why no woman had ever written even a tolerable tragedy, he replied: "The composition of a tragedy requires testicles." Lord Byron said: "If this be true, Lord knows what Joanna Baillie does - I suppose she borrows them." He was definitely on the money as this neglected writer was a joy to rediscover.
In the show, excerpts from Baillie's gothic dramas featured alongside pieces from writers such as Christina Rossetti, Stevie Smith and Eliza Parsons - a group straddling many centuries and different genres - but all with profoundly strong voices integrated perfectly by director Abigail Anderson.
It was also on the spooky side - just perfect for this time of year, and ideal in this gothic-influenced Victorian chapel. Performers Kate Kerrow, Jenny Knight, Rebecca Mordan, Kath Burlinson and John Gorick delighted with their many characterisations (especially in the Baillie extract Witchcraft - I would now love to see the complete play!), beautiful songs and musical accompaniments in this highly accomplished show.
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