Writer: Carl Grose
Director: Simon Harvey
This one-man play is based in and around a long-forgotten village called Widdershins, which is buried deep in a dark, wild part of Cornwall. The guide for our visit is Bob Droll (played by David Mynne), the local raconteur, folklore enthusiast and meat raffle organiser. As Bob takes us on a tour, he brings to life the dark stories of the village’s residents.
So where does the title of the play come from? Well, in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun appears to move in a clockwise motion. The word ’widdershins’ means anticlockwise, or against the sun, so in superstition to go in a direction against it was considered to bring bad luck, an action that would also invoke evil spirits.
This was highlighted in the old Cornish Nursery Rhyme ‘Three times round the circle and Faerie Land begins. Three times round the wrong way, and call it widdershins’.
As we go on our tour, we hear the shocking tales of Cryer Bledstone the Sea Captain who was afraid of death, Sci-Fi Sally who wanted to leave the world behind for life beyond the stars and Larry and Harry the newly-weds who ran the Bed & Breakfast in the village.
David Mynne is excellent as Bob Droll, bringing these characters to life, particularly in the physical aspects of his performance. He has the audience engaged throughout, who clearly enjoyed the show.
Special mention must also go to writer Carl Grose, whose wonderful script brings the story to life. Using a variety of techniques, including some lovely poetry, the writer provides us with some genuinely laugh-out comedy moments as well as some scary scenes and leg-pulls!
If the plot sounds a little like ‘Under Milk Wood’, be prepared for a shock. These characters’ stories are scarier and more far-fetched with exploding seagulls, evil spirits, prosthetic ears, custard tarts and zombie-like scarecrows all making an appearance. I would liken it more to Dylan Thomas meets Roald Dahl.
Expertly directed by Simon Harvey, it’s lovely to see a Cornish-inspired-play back on a Bristol theatre stage. It’s been far too long and sorely missed.
Very highly recommended.
Tours across the west and south west until the end of October.
