Terry Pratchett’s famous novel, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs.
On the magical fantasy Discworld, in a kingdom called Lancre, the Land has woken up and it’s unhappy. It wants a King that cares for it, but it’s got a mad Duke who hates the trees and the witches, and definitely committed murder to get the throne. In the dark of the night out on the heath, three witches lean over a bubbling cauldron to figure out how to put things right.
Wyrd Sisters is one of the first books in the Discworld comedy fantasy series. Each story is a humorous standalone reflection of something we have in our society, shone back at the audience with wit and Monty Python-style humour. This particular Discworld story is where Terry Pratchett takes Shakespeare’s Macbeth, King Lear, and Hamlet, and then turns them up ’till they reach eleven.
It’s all there – a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of the murdered king, dim soldiers, strolling players, and a Land in peril. And who stands between the Kingdom and destruction? Three witches. Granny Weatherwax (intolerant, self-opinionated, powerful), Nanny Ogg (down-to-earth, vulgar), and Magrat Garlick (naïve, fond of occult jewellery and bunnies). It’s Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble but the witches are the heroes this time.
Stephen Briggs, who adapted the Terry Pratchett novel, has been involved in amateur dramatics for over 25 years. This novel was first published in 1988 and was originally staged as a play in 1996. Profits from the licensing of this production go directly to The Orangutang Foundation.
Terry Pratchett and Discworld are registered trademarks.
This production is possible because of access to grant funding from the City of Ballarat.
22 Sep - Oct 1, 2023
Partnership
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With the City of Ballarat
Read more about this production
2023 Victorian Drama League Awards
Wyrd Sisters Winners!
Getting crafty for Wyrd Sisters
About the Director
Liana Emmerson
Liana has been a fan of Terry Pratchett for many years, first introduced to him by friends in her martial arts club as a fun place to rest her mind in the wake of her sister's death. Her first Pratchett read was Small Gods. Since 2019 one of her best friends has been begging her to do a Pratchett show on stage.
Liana has performed many times with BNT, has also worked as a performer at Sovereign Hill. She has previously directed BNT’s dramatic audiobook adaptions of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice Podcast, and Persuasion Podcast. Pride and Prejudice Podcast was her directorial debut and was shortlisted as an honouree for the 2021 Webby Awards. In addition to performances with companies from our region including Skin of our Teeth and Tripwire, she is known locally for her roles including The Best Man (Mabel Cantwell), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Bennet), Daisy Pulls It Off (Trixie), Steel Magnolias (Truvy) and Much Ado About Shakespeare (Lady Macbeth and Mercutio).
Liana studied acting at 16th Street Actors Studio and has also completed a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing as well as a major in Literature Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts. She is a graduate of the LBWR Leadership Program (now known as Future Shapers Ballarat). She is also the 2023 Ballarat Citizen of the Year.
Cast
Gin O'Brien
Granny Weatherwax
Elly Krieg
Ruby Penhall
Joe Appleton
Reuben Morgan
Mark Briggs
Charles Spiegel
Barry Kay
Grant Johnson
James Wait
Laura Farrow
Clementine Sawyer
Jack Brown
Evelyn Zeven
Jess Hillman
Matt Peavey
Lyka Fox
Benj Beatty
Tony Potter
Charlie Hann
Media
