The Crucible at Shakespeare’s Globe

Hysteria consumes a New England community after Betty falls into a coma. Along with her friends the previous evening, the girls were witnessed performing a “ritual” dance. Abigail argues that she and her friends were having innocent fun, but Reverend Parris does not buy into it. Launching an investigation ignites further panic within the town. When respected farmer John Proctor defends Abigail, his secret affair with her is unveiled. Herd mentality, gossip, discrimination against women and judgment of others are just some of the themes explored here. It’s a slow burn but a smouldering one as tensions brim.

The play was written in response to McCarthyism – a term coined in response to the US Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy. He ran a fear-mongering campaign with the intention of exposing communists. People, at first, believed the official. Eventually, though, his popularity wavered as people began to see the truth.

Ola Ince directs with aplomb, luring us into the world of the play but always respecting the text. It’s a loyal production. Gavin Drea’s Proctor is compelling, and we fully believe in Phoebe Pryce’s Elizabeth – his wife. Hannah Saxby offers a convincing Abigail and Steve Furst as the Reverend excels. One would expect nothing less from such a theatre and such a company.

This revival firmly proves that Arthur Miller was a writer ahead of his time. Powerful and provocative, this is a thought-provoking piece of theatre that needs to be seen.

Jonathan Marshall
Photo: Marc Brenner

The Crucible is at Shakespeare’s Globe from 15^th May until 12^th July 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for The Crucible at Shakespeare’s Globe here: