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Arena Theatre Regent Centre Christchurch November 2004 In order for it to work successfully the bizarre characters need to be realistic yet completely over the top, and in that and every other respect this production, directed by John King and Gareth Richards, worked a treat. Nanny Ogg (Jane Haynes) and Granny Weatherwax (Virginia Harrington) were two of the finest and funniest witches to be found this side of the Blasted Heath and set a standard that the rest of the cast easily rose to. The opera house staff, led by Mr Salzella (Ian Knight) and Seldom Bucket – not pronounced Bouquet – (Richard Oakley) were outstanding, as were company members Christine (Emma Purchase), Agnes Nitt (Natasha Barnes), and toilet cleaner Walter Plinge (Austyn Brown). There were excellent characterisations in smaller roles too, especially from Gareth Richards (Enrico Basilica), Adam Donoghue (Andre) Paul Goldsack (Arno) and, in particular, Sam Donnelly, who played a variety of roles with tremendous aplomb. And a fast pace, excellent costumes, speedy scene changes and fine lighting effects added the finishing touches to a first-class production. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo 
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