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Ballarat National Theatre

About Wyrd Sisters

Terry Pratchett is famous for his comedy fantasy series set in a place called Discworld. Discworld is a flat earth that sits on the backs of four giant elephants that stand on the back of a giant turtle that swims through space. Each story is a humorous standalone reflection of something we have in our society, shone back at the audience with wit and Monty Python-style humour. This particular story from Discworld is where Terry Pratchett takes Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet and some others in between and then turns them up ’till they reach eleven. It’s all there – a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of the murdered king, dim soldiers, strolling players, and a Land in peril. And who stands between the Kingdom and destruction? Three witches. Granny Weatherwax (intolerant, self-opinionated, powerful), Nanny Ogg (down-to-earth, vulgar), and Magrat Garlick (naïve, fond of occult jewellery and bunnies).

It's Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble but with a few witches who have been doing it so long that the novelty has worn off and they are ready to get on with it.

Stephen Briggs, who adapted the Terry Pratchett novel, has been involved in amateur dramatics for over 25 years. This novel was first published in 1988 and was originally staged as a play in 1996. Profits from the licensing of this production go directly to The Orangutang Foundation.

Terry Pratchett and Discworld are registered trademarks.

This production is possible because of access to grant funding from the City of Ballarat.

Auditions and crew recruitment for this production will happen in May.

View the Audition Pack here.

Book your audition here.

Audition dates: Fri 26 May, Sat 27 May, Sun 28 May.

You are also invited to apply to join the crew, including a craft team who will create the set, props, and more. Register here.

Show dates

September 22 - October 1

This show has old-fashioned coarse language (for example the cuss word 'bloody'), some innuendo, and a few acts of murder. Parental guidance is recommended.

 

About the director

Liana has been a fan of Terry Pratchett for many years, first introduced to him by friends in her martial arts club as a fun place to rest her mind in the wake of her sister's death. Her first Pratchett read was Small Gods. Since 2019 one of her best friends has been begging her to do a Pratchett show on stage. 

Liana has performed many times with BNT, has also worked as a performer at Sovereign Hill. She has previously directed BNT’s dramatic audiobook adaptions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and Persuasion. Pride and Prejudice Podcast was her directorial debut and was shortlisted as an honouree for the 2021 Webby Awards. In addition to performances with companies from our region including Skin of our Teeth and Tripwire, she is known locally for her roles including The Best Man (Mabel Cantwell), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Bennet), Daisy Pulls It Off (Trixie), Steel Magnolias (Truvy) and Much Ado About Shakespeare (Lady Macbeth and Mercutio).

Liana studied acting at 16th Street Actors Studio and has also completed a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing as well as a major in Literature Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts. She is a graduate of the LBWR Leadership Program (now known as Future Shapers Ballarat). She is also the 2023 Ballarat Citizen of the Year.

 

Cast

Elly Krieg

Elly Krieg

Nanny Ogg
Gin O'Brien

Gin O'Brien

Granny Weatherwax
Ruby Penhall

Ruby Penhall

Magrat Garlick

Crew

Positions in the crew are available. Register your interest in a role here.

Assistant Director Laura Hudson
Production Manager TBC
Stage manager Shell Pryor
Second Assistant Director Kat Pengally
Costumes Liana Emmerson
Assistant to Costume TBC
Sound Charlie Hughes
Lighting TBC
Lighting Operation TBC
Front of House Manager TBC
Photography TBC
Marketing TBC
   
Set Design TBC
Set Construction TBC
Props TBC
Scenic Artists TBC
Musical Director Sarah Barlow
Production Assistants TBC