Queen’s Theatre announce world premiere of The Witchfinder’s Sister

The cast of The Witchfinder’s Sister (Credit: Queen’s Hospital)

Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch has announced the world premiere of Beth Underdown’s The Witchfinder’s Sister.

It is based on the true story of the infamous Essex witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins, and follows his sister as she tries to stop him.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is Beth Underdown’s debut novel and winner of the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award 2017.

Thurrock’s Vickie Donoghue was commissioned by the theatre to adapt the book for the stage. It will run at the Queen’s Theatre from Thursday, 7 October to Saturday, 30 October.

Set in 1645, The Witchfinder’s Sister follows the story of Alice Hopkins, who comes home to Manningtree to live with her brother after her husband is tragically killed.

Alice discovers rumours of witchcraft have spread through her formerly safe home town and her brother is at the centre of a reign of hysterical terror that has taken hold of it. 

She begins a desperate race to reveal what’s compelling the obsessively cruel Witchfinder General before more innocent women are found guilty.

The production is directed and choreographed by Jonnie Riordan who is known for Nigel Slater’s Toast which toured across the UK.  

Lily Knight, from Saint Maud on Film 4, stars as Alice alongside George Kemp as Matthew. 

You can book tickets online here. 

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