STUDENTS at the University of Warwick are bringing a touch of magic to the rehearsal room as they prepare to debut a brand new musical.
Cast and crew of student-written musical ‘Witch’ are hard at work putting the finishing touches to their production before their Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut tomorrow (Wednesday, August 5).
Observer reporter, Lauren Clarke, headed into rehearsals to get a taste of the action for herself and see how Music Theatre Warwick’s latest production is shaping up.
‘Witch’ tells the story of modern-day sorceress, Leah, who enters into the world of magic to discover the history of witchcraft in her family.
But what confronts her is a world of suspicion and fear as a village turns against itself in the search of witches in its midst.
Complete with a contemporary soundtrack and talented young cast, the production team have pulled-off an impressive feat – an hour-long student-written new musical which taps into our collective fascination with witches, wizards and the magical unknown.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Witch’, co-director, writer and producer Jack Plummer said he and co-writer Matt Young wanted to move away from many of the stereotypes associates with musical theatre.
He added: “We wanted to explore darker themes that are often brushed over in musicals and the Edinburgh Fringe offers the perfect stage for a new venture and being part of a theatre society at university is a source of inspiration to write as you come across so many talented people.
“It’s been an intense few weeks in rehearsals but finally being able to see the final product has made it all worthwhile.”
And for those still unsure whether to pack their bags and head north to see the show, Mr Plummer promises: “Witch is not your conventional musical – it’s dark and daring and unlike anything you will have seen before.”
‘Witch’ plays at C Venue 34 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from Wednesday, August 5 until Saturday, August 22 with tickets available from the box office and online at www.mtwwitch.co.uk/
