THE moment the lights went down and the haunting music bellowed I was on the edge of my seat.

Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern is inspired by one of the last major witch trials in England. The charges brought against her in a small Hertfordshire village in 1712 provoked a nationwide pamphlet war.

It is a tale looking at fear, religion and the supernatural, and looks at the perceptions of women.

Amanda Bellamy stars as Jane Wenham and gave a strong performance as the persecuted spinster. David Acton, Judith Coke, Tim Delap, Hannah Hutch, Andrew Macklin, Rachel Sanders and Cat Simmons also gave strong performances on the night.

Before I knew it, it was the end of the first half. Although, I must admit it felt like only a short period of time had passed. I was absorbed into the unfolding drama — waiting to find out the what fate had in store for Jane.

The set design was perfect in creating the foreboding village setting — bringing to life the dark tale.

The play manages to balance the intense story well with some light hearted moments adding some light relief.

BAFTA award-winning playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz has done a brilliant job dramatising Wenham’s story, which is fantastically directed by Ria Parry.

Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern contains some swearing and adult themes and runs in the Main House at Salisbury Playhouse until tomorrow (Saturday).

For tickets or more information call 01722 320333 or go to salisburyplayhouse.com