Dukes stages witch trial play Sabbat and tour, 7 June

The Dukes tells the human story behind England’s biggest witch trials this summer, 400 years since they took place in Lancashire. The play which is a tale of persecution is staged in the round – to give the audience the full dramatic effect and begins with a secret meeting – a sabbat.

Originally staged in 2009, the play heralds the reunion of Sabbat’s original creative team, led by director Amy Leach, and this anniversary production will bring the story to new audiences as the focal point of a varied programme of events planned to commemorate this infamous episode in British history.

The Dukes director, Joe Sumsion said: “Sabbat is one of the most successful new plays which The Dukes has produced in recent years. It’s a compelling play which really opens up the story of the Lancashire witches, a subject which has an enduring fascination for the public. I’m delighted that we will be re-making Sabbat for audiences at The Dukes and across   Lancashire and beyond.”
 
Sabbat is at The Dukes from 7 -16 June and then followed by a short tour it returns to the venue from 17- 21 July.