Women, Beware the Devil – Almeida Theatre

‘Women, Beware the Devil’ is a brand-new play by Lulu Raczka, and directed by Rupert Goold that manages to both dazzle and confound in equal measures. It takes place in 17th century England during a time of political turmoil and witch hunts and features a cast of strange and unconventional characters. At the start of the play, the devil himself (Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea) acts as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the audience and guiding them into the intricate and somewhat confusing plotline of the De Clare family.

Lady Elizabeth De Clare (Lydia Leonard) is hatching a scheme to cling on to the luxurious family home. She has schemed to arrange a marriage of convenience between her brother Edward (Leo Bill) and Katherine (Ioanna Kimbook), the wealthy daughter of a shipbuilder, in the hope that they will produce an heir. However, Edward has other ideas and is fulfilling his sexual desires elsewhere. In an act of desperation, fearing she is about to lose the house, Elizabeth enlists the help of stable girl Agnes (Alison Oliver), rumoured amongst locals to be a witch. Elizabeth manipulates Agnes into uses her dark art to change her brother’s mind, with disastrous consequences for all involved.

The piece has many surreal and intertwined elements including revenge, witchcraft, Faustian pacts, kinky bedroom shenanigans, incest, and pregnancy combined with themes around class, gender, and religious power. However, it is all too underdeveloped, and as a result the story and dialogue are over complicated and ridiculous. That said, the performers are all superb, Oliver’s maniacal Agnes and Leonard’s dastardly Lady Elizabeth are the standout performances of the play, with Bill characterising the repulsive brother Edward perfectly, and the supporting cast all holding their own amongst the chaos. The epic set and costumes designed by Miriam Buether and Evie Gurney, respectively, are also a delicious feast for the eyes. Drawing on the style of Dutch painting, with black gothic canvas at the back of the stage, with stunning and extravagant scenery at the front, creating a simultaneous atmosphere of opulence, surrealism, and beauty. The gothic visual elements are further brought to life by Tim Lutkin’s amazing lighting.

However, whilst the piece is both bold and brave, and whilst the performers manage to carry the script through to the end, it feels entirely too risky and is likely to generate polarising views from audiences and critics alike. Throughout, it feels way too complicated and unwieldy, leaving a sense of satisfaction, but also confusion in the auditorium… Is this play brilliant… or is it just a brilliant mess?

The play runs at the Almeida Theatre, London until 25th March 2023. Tickets can be purchased here: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/women-beware-the-devil

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 23rd February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★