Gunter – Royal Court, London

Co-creators: Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan and Rachel Lemon

Director: Rachel Lemon

The montage of rioting hooligans as the audience enters swiftly contrasts with the opening of the play: three women in white football attire harmonising flawlessly. These lionesses are interrupted by the charming historian Lydia who humorously clarifies that she is not an actor playing a historian but in fact, an actual historian, adding credibility to the true story we are about to witness.

The audience is warmly invited to participate in Mexican waves and goal scoring, effectively building up the atmosphere for the inciting incident: a scrap between two football lads abruptly halted by Brian Gunter murdering them. The pristine white floor is gradually marred by mud and blood as the visceral nature of the performance starts to emerge according to the unfolding drama.

A feud ensues between Elizabeth Gregory, mother of the murdered boys, and Brian Gunter, the most influential and rich man in the village. Gunter retaliates by accusing Elizabeth of bewitching his daughter, Anne Gunter, thus initiating a riveting journey of accusations, trials, and mesmerizing performances of alleged possession.

Co-creators Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan, and Rachel Lemon demonstrate a masterful command of storytelling, using innovative ways of bringing to life each moving part of the narrative. The blend of dialogue, narration, and direct address offers a nuanced exploration of witch-hunting within contemporary society and the pervasive effects of the patriarchy.

The ensemble cast exudes magnetic energy, showcasing exceptional musical prowess and a compelling sense of camaraderie. Particularly noteworthy is Norah Lopez Holden’s portrayal of the feverish Anne Gunter, delivering a performance that is both chillingly convincing and profoundly vulnerable.

This vivid, feverish, and visually captivating narrative may not be suitable for the faint-hearted, yet it brings to the stage a compelling, feminist, and, ultimately inspiring, tale.

Runs until 25 April 2024