Moonset – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Finishing it’s too short 15 day run at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Citizens Theatre Glasgow brings a thought provoking coming-of-age piece which has its roots in the infamous burning in 1697 of seven witches, known as the Paisley or Bargarran witches.

The play, set in modern day, follows 15-year-old Roxy (Layla Kirk) as she tries to come to terms with her mother’s recent cancer illness at the same time as pre-exam stresses. This is a loss of control for Roxy, which throws her into a tailspin. At her lowest point we see the importance of her friendships with studious Bushra (Cindy Awor), who also has her own sexuality/faith issues, rebellious live wire, Gina (Leah Byrne) and glamor-pus rich kid Joanne (Hannah Visocchi), with boyfriend troubles.

Evoking the turmoil of young minds, Jen McGinley’s set is intentionally cluttered and chaotic. Picking their way carefully through the surrounding chain link fence and weaving their way through the debris, the schoolgirls meet first to choreograph tic tok videos in Simon Hayes’ illuminated floor circle. Cleverly, this later becomes the focus for their supernatural pentangle for more serious cavorting.

The design of the play speaks of the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth, the moon, the womb, and the feminine spirit. Can the witchy four really affect the outcomes for their barren school teacher or, rather more urgently, for Roxy’s ill mum, and how can a baby rabbit aid them in their coven gathering?

With obvious references to The Bard’s, Macbeth, and to Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible, Maryam Hamidi’s script is sure-footed, witty and sharp without ever trying to be too hip or lapsing into over-sentimentality, and the delivery is slick and accurate, if perhaps a little under-powered at times, relying as it does on the natural acoustic.

There are some notable standout technical elements, including a beautifully conceived and delivered background soundscape from Nik Paget-Tomlinson, and sublime and complex lighting (and real fire!) from Simon Hayes.

All in all, a great ensemble team effort nicely directed by Joanna Bowman and certainly enjoyed by the nearly full audience.

Running time – 2hrs including a 15 minute interval

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 16th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★