Cast revealed for Ava Pickett’s The Manningtree Witches

Mercury Theatre Colchester has announced initial casting and further members of the creative team for The Manningtree Witches, which will run from 28 February to 14 March 2026.

The production marks the world premiere of a new play by Mercury Playwright Ava Pickett, adapted from A K Blakemore’s novel.

The play follows 17-year-old Rebecca West in 1643 Essex and examines the rise of England’s first Witchfinder General. It focuses on the women targeted during the period and brings their stories to the stage.

Lucy Mangan will play Rebecca West, with Sam Mitchell as Matthew Hopkins, Gina Isaac as Anne “The Beldam” West, and Chileya Mwampulo as Judith. Isaac was an associate artist at the Mercury between 2012 and 2022, and Mwampulo is a current associate artist and Mercury Playwright.

Pickett’s adaptation will be the first Mercury Original to premiere on the venue’s main stage. The production is created in association with Frantic Assembly and supported by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, with development through the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

Artistic director Natasha Rickman will direct, with Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham as movement director. The creative team includes designer Sara Perks, lighting designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán and composer Nicola T Chang.

Further casting will be announced, and the production will feature a community chorus.