The Crucible by Arthur Miller Old Fire Station Theatre until Saturday 6th March 2004

Set during the Salem witch trials of 1692, Arthur Miller's The Crucible is a classic examination of how group hysteria, the terrible pressure to conform and the abuse of power can ruin lives and tear communities apart. The play depicts a real historical incident, but was famously intended by Miller as a scathing comment on the analogous persecution of alleged communists instigated by Senator McCarthy in paranoid, Cold War 50s America.

The plot centres on farmer John Proctor, who becomes embroiled in the madness that descends upon Salem when, along with many others, his wife is accused of witchcraft. (By the way, my theatre-going companion, a botanist, informs me that all this fuss was apparently brought about by an hallucinogenic fungal pathogen growing on wheat in Salem - scientists have an answer for everything). Matters are confused by Proctor's having 'committed lechery' with the young woman at the heart of the accusations. His situation becomes increasingly serious, and he has to make tough decisions, as well as look deeply into his flawed but basically good self.

It's an angry and powerful work whose emotional intensity makes it difficult to stage. This student production rises admirable to the challenge. A large cast are uniformly excellent. Lauren Steventon is perfect as the seductive and supremely manipulative Abigail, while Pia Fitzgerald is very good in the role of Elizabeth Proctor - to mention just the two main female roles.

George Grumbar puts in a strong performance as John Proctor. Proctor is the archetypal Miller hero - morally flawed, haunted by doubts and unsure of his identity, yet ultimately certain that meaning and pride can be found in his own being - his 'name'. These are roles that require a lot of an actor, and Grumbar brings presence and energy to the stage and is a convincing lead.

There are, however, no weak performances: all of the actors succeed in bringing alive this strange, far-away world of puritanical religious fervour, hard toil and suspicious, tight-knit communities. It might all seem a long time ago, but even though Salem - and McCarthyism - are now historical curiosities, the human weaknesses and strengths presented by Miller are universal and profoundly relevant. Moral panics and witch-hunts - often instigated by the tabloids - are no stranger to our society. Everyone should see The Crucible, and this fine production is an ideal opportunity to do so.

George Tew 3/3/04