The Crucible, Bingley Little Theatre

THIS is an earnest production of a difficult play. Arthur Miller's chilling depiction of the Salem witch-hunts in Massachusetts in 1692 is based on revenge, false testimony and frenzy.

The Little Theatre caught these elements and threw them into the crucible with enthusiasm. Some powerful performances saw the tale of wrongful accusation and sexual jealousies unfold with conviction.

As witch-hunt fever grips Massachusetts, good becomes blurred with evil and false testimonies see innocent people in the dock.

Julia Wilson is excellent as Elizabeth Proctor. She capably handles the character who faces a smear campaign, as misapplied evidence condemns her as a witch. Stephen Brown is a lynchpin as her husband John Proctor. He convincingly portrays Proctor's moral journey to goodness amid scenes of madness. It is John Proctor's lusting after temptress Abigail Williams (Lila Palmer) that sparks the malicious accusations against his wife.

Lila Palmer is assured and provocative as the spiteful Abi and competently handles her role. Charlotte Woodham portrays Mary Warren's mixed allegiances with ease and ably charts her descent into betrayal.

Lines were sometimes fluffed and the string of strong and varied accents was bemusing. The scenes were well directed and the cast gelled to create a vivid production, which worked well on the suitably stark set.

Kate Pallister