Sarah Singleton looks at what's on offer this weekend

Utterly bewitching

FOUR women accused of witchcraft are locked in the basement of a church, and await their fate.

Helpless and terrified, they face torture and death, at a time of bigotry and superstition.

The Unbinding is a powerful and intense exploration of the persecution faced by those accused of witchcraft.

Devised and performed by the Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, the play combines dialogue, physical performance and masks to explore the past stories and present emotions of the four women trapped in an intolerable situation.

The original music is composed by Gary Bamford, and the play is based on research into the witch trials of Wiltshire and further beyond.

Although the performance is set in the past, it resonates with timeless concerns about individuality, tolerance, persecution and the mob mentality.

Starring Louise Catherwood, Daniella Faircloth, Hannah Marquez, Rebecca Martin, and directed by Luke Marquez, the play will be taken to Edinburgh next summer.

“By researching and working with historical accounts of witch trials throughout Europe, we have created a piece that explores a world where those who dare to stand out from the crowd are treated with hatred and suspicion.

“What makes this story so powerful is that it could be set in any time period, the story seems as relevant today as it would have done 400 years ago.” said Luke Marquez, director of Wrong Shoes Theatre Company.

“Due to its content, the show may be uncomfortable watching for some, but after unearthing what thousands of women and men went through during the witch trials, we wanted to stay true to their experiences and also explore the folklore that surrounded their persecution.”

The Unbinding will be performed at the Shoebox Theatre at 8pm today and tomorrow.

Be warned it contains disturbing scenes, including those of a sexual nature, nudity, violence and strong language. It is suitable for ages 14 plus, and strobe lights are used.

Tickets are £10, available from www.theunbinding.co.uk.

— SARAH SINGLETON

Best thing since slice bread

NEW YORK-BASED band The Toasters will be playing at Level III in Swindon tomorrow night.

The ska and two-tone inspired band was formed in 1981 by English singer and guitarist Robert ‘Bucket’ Hingley. Albums include their 1987 debut Skaboom, followed by Thrill Me Up, This Gun For Hire, New York Fever and more.

The ska pioneers have been compared to the Ramones, for their longevity and adherence to core principles, and are reckoned to be one of the most influential bands in the ska field. They embraced Jamaican-born pop music, and their music blends reggae, jazz, punk and soul.

Along with Bucket on lead vocals and guitar, the line-up is made up of an all-star collection from some of the world’s greatest ska bands – including The Beat’s Andy Pearson on bass, Neil Johnson, Tommy Quartulli on saxophone, Greg Robinson on trombone, and Jess Hayes on drums. Averaging more than 200 performances a year, the band is well on its way to playing its 5,000th gig, a milestone they should achieve by the end of the decade.

The concert will kick off at 8pm and the support act is Captain Accident and the Disasters. Tickets are £5.50 from www.wegottickets.com.

At home with Richard

ARTIST Dee Levy shares a unique perspective on life at the former home of Victorian writer Richard Jefferies in an exhibition opening at the museum tonight.

Meet Dee at the preview, from 7pm to 9pm this evening, and see the art and memorabilia relating to her time living in the house at Coate, Swindon, with her family in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

“She has great memories of the place, and she is also an artist,” said museum director Mike Pringle.

The exhibition is called Under the Mulberry Tree, and includes works in a variety of media, including photography, collages and three-dimensional pieces. It runs till November 30.

  • The Richard Jefferies theme continues on Saturday when the Annual Lecture of the Richard Jefferies Society will be held following their AGM at Liddington village hall, from 1.30pm to 5pm.
  • Fans of steam engines may also wish to visit the museum on Saturday when a vintage steam roller will be put to work fixing the driveway into the museum.