The Witches at the National Theatre

Beloved children’s book, Roald Dahl’s The Witches, makes for a wickedly fun stage adaptation. Brought to life by director Lyndsey Turner with book and lyrics from Lucy Kirkwood, this spellbinding performance has the best of British humour at its heart and Dahl’s quirky style.

The first song of many introduces our haggle of witches, dressed in pastel attire reflecting menial roles. As Luke (a self-assured portrayal by Vishal Soni) enters the scene and loses his parents in a fatal car crash, he is soon adopted by his hardy no-nonsense Norwegian grandmother (Sally Ann Triplett). This matriarch has a gnome as a close friend and spent years hunting the Grand High Witch.

Soni and Triplett’s connection is believable and warm, and Kirkwood’s signature humorous one-liners – too many to mention – have the audience laughing in raucous cheer. After his Gran suffers a heart attack, both child and guardian decide to visit the Hotel Magnificent in Bournemouth, wherein chaos ensues. The hotel is reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s cinematic style, with grand salmon pink exteriors, and lustrous design by Lizzie Clachan, giving it a continental European feel. Heading this seaside resort is Mr Stringer, fantastically portrayed by Daniel Rigby, who was born for this role. Although the adults are brilliant (despite a confused accent from the Grand High Witch, sometimes Scandinavian, sometimes Welsh, sometimes Londoner), it is the young ensemble who steal the show. Enter Bruno Jenkins (a perfectly cast Cian Eagle-Service.) Here, Bruno isn’t an overweight child going after food, but a posh rich kid whose craving for candied treats knows no bounds; hilarity follows as he toys with the witches.

Many who grew up with Nicholas Roeg’s film can recall the hideous nightmarish transformation of Anjelica Huston, but this stage adaptation doesn’t strike you with the same fear, though the change is still a mystery, and appears magically. There are some scenes that are truly creepy – even for an adult – so be advised when taking the younger ones: in one thrilling scene, the Grand High Witch breaks character to scold a child in the auditorium. 

With the mice operated on wheels and well-executed stage production, juxtaposed with the witty script and excellent casting, it will be a surprise if this version doesn’t become an audience favourite and gain a cult following in years to come.

Selina Begum
Images: Marc Brenner

The Witches is at the National Theatre from 7^th November until 27^th January 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.