The Welkin

About

Rural Suffolk, 1759. As the country waits for Halley's Comet to arrive, Sally Poppy returns home after a mysterious absence and is sentenced to hang for a heinous murder to which she admits.

When Sally claims to be pregnant, the local Justice calls for a jury of twelve matrons from the surrounding area to be hastily assembled to decide whether she's telling the truth, or simply trying to escape the noose. Some of the matrons are sympathetic, some of them are anxious to see the girl hang, some just want to go home and still others have hidden secrets and agendas. Can twelve women save the life of a convicted murderer? Should they? Do they even want to?
With only local midwife Lizzy Luke prepared to defend the girl, and a mob baying for blood outside, the matrons wrestle with their new authority, and the devil in their midst.

Brighton and Hove based Identity Theatre have assembled a phenomenal cast of 16 talented local actors to bring this story to life. Identity are usually to be found in the summer months at the Brighton Open Air Theatre (most recently with Oliver Twist and Under Milk Wood), and this autumn production is a new departure for the team. The central Brighton location of the Wagner Hall is a perfect venue for this play - the large stage with its wooden floorboards effortlessly conjuring up the Jury Room in which the Welkin’s decisions, recriminations and revelations occur.

Often described as 12 Angry (Wo)men meets The Crucible, this bold, powerful and unflinchingly feminist play asks have we really moved past our prejudices in the last 250 years? The Welkin is hilariously funny in parts, incredibly affecting in others and most importantly serves as a necessary reminder that in some respects we really have not come that far since the 18th century.

The Welkin contains scenes of a violent and distressing nature, including domestic abuse and miscarriage, descriptions of hanging and sexual assault, child death, and strong language.

Photography by Miles Davies Photography