BNT plays on the Wyrd and wonderful

TERRY Pratchett’s medieval comedy, Wyrd Sisters, is coming to Woodmans Hill Performing Arts Centre.

Ballarat National Theatre is staging the fantasy play which is set in Discworld, features witch Granny Weatherwax, and explores themes of Shakespearean works.

Director Liana Emmerson said a City of Ballarat Community Impact Grant has ensured the show could be staged.

“Because of it, we have been able to hire a theatre and offer a range of opportunities in set, props, and costume to a really enthusiastic cross-section of our arts community,” she said.

“Fans of Terry Pratchett will get some great surprises in the show, especially if they have seen a production of it before.

“There are easter eggs throughout and some things I’m bursting to say, but the company has been sworn to silence on. You’ll have to see it to know what they are.”

Emmerson said her cast of performers are an impressive and funny group, and many of the actors are “perfect” for their roles.

“When I mentioned to people which show I was about to start making every single one said to me to get Elly Krieg to play the role of Nanny Ogg,” she said.

“I had the pleasure of telling them I already had her. The whole cast is wickedly talented. Rehearsals have been hilarious.”

BNT ensembles have performed about 275 plays in 85 years but have never produced a work by Pratchett.

Emmerson is a big fan of the writer, and marks a stage direction debut with Wyrd Sisters, following her work leading the company’s Pride and Prejudice and upcoming Persuasion podcasts.

Wyrd Sisters will be staged eight times from Friday 22 September to Sunday 1 October at Woodmans Hill Secondary College Performing Arts Centre, 1 Fussell St, Ballarat East.

Tickets can be purchased at hermaj.com, or via 5333 5888.