TAKING its audience on a whirlwind trip to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society provided an evening of politics, intrigue, murder and magic.

With Barbara Hughes at the helm as Granny Weatherwax, one of three witches determined to establish when they might meet again, it was clear that the Kingdom of Lancre was in safe hands.

Despite admonitions not to “meddle” from her sorcerous counterparts Nanny Ogg, played by Amanda Heitler and Magrat Garlick, played by Alex Caffery, the coven find the future of the land in jeopardy and are forced to break some rules for justice to prevail.

The adaptation from cult novel to stage play by Stephen Briggs furnished RADS with a sharp script containing plenty of humour. The frequent scene changes were managed swiftly, which maintained a brisk pace as the action alternated between rural scenes and the stone chamber of the palace.

The costumes suited their characters well, with royal villains in complementary red and grey velvet, and there were some well-chosen props such as the royal throne with its large coat of arms.

Gary Winn perfectly captured the guilt-ridden murderer, Leonal Felmet, and Scott Fenney gave a strong performance as the Fool, who was perhaps not as foolish as he looked. Julie Winn as the scheming Lady Felmet, erred more towards Wicked Witch than Lady Macbeth, while Mike Walker, Doug Clayton and Jenny Roberts played their supporting roles well. Martin Ash made a credible ghost as Verence, the late King of Lancre, and the young Ross Hutchinson brought to life his son, who was rescued by the witches as a baby.

A good plot, a comical script and plenty of colourful characters made this an ideal choice for RADS, who rose to the occasion to create a polished performance with plenty of feel-good factor.

Christina McIntyre