The Edinburgh Storytellers tell the stories of our past, in this case, the witch trials in Scotland which began in the early 16th century. Our storyteller is Natalie, who enthusiastically draws us into the world of witches.
Just to give you a taster of some of the material spoken about, Natalie told us about Janet Cock, who was sent to jail for drunken behaviour, but was then released due to her daughter’s efforts, but a couple of months later she was re-arrested on new charges and was convicted and sentenced to death for witchcraft. Between 1590-1662 executions took place for witchcraft, and many trumped up charges were used to suppress women’s vitality, to quieten those who were outspoken or would not conform. The prosecutors were men, and we see this theme running through these trials, that they ruled by fear, fear of being accused of being a witch, which carried a sentence of death.
Devil worship was also an accusation, and in Natalie’s very matter-of-fact way of delivery, she explained how women were accused of this offence, and of course if you worshipped the devil, then you must be a witch. This spoken word show is not about fictional characters, who does not like to see Harry Potter, with witches and wizards battling for supremacy. This show is factual, about a time in Scotland when being a woman was the poorer gender, especially as you got older. As Natalie shared, menopause aged women were by far the largest category to be burned at the stake!
The presentation was simple, but the research and detail of the tales being told were very interesting to anyone who has a love of the subject, or just an interest in history. Natalie is an engaging presenter, and it is well worth going along to listen to what she has to say.
To book tickets go to – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/witch-women-on-trial. The show runs until the 24th August 2024 (not the 11th or 18th).
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 6th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: