THE only way I can describe The Crucible is intense from start to finish.

Studio Theatre once again delivered a brilliant production bringing Arthur Miller’s drama to Salisbury. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Miller’s birth.

The drama is fictionalisation of the 1692 Salem witch hunts.

As whispers of witchcraft echo around Salem suspicions run high after some of the local children are taken ill with a mysterious condition, including the daughter of Reverend Parris (Kevin Murdoch). And soon the witch hunt begins and the fingers start to point at many of the townsfolk.

Newcomer John Davis gave a standout performance – commanding the stage as John Proctor. His performance was brilliantly complimented by Emily Prince, who plays his wife Elizabeth.

Youngster Ellie Webber also gave a sterling performance as Mary Warren. Ellie is member of Studio’s Youth Theatre.

The whole ensemble helped bring this dark tale to life and gave strong performances with some new faces as well as some more familiar faces taking to the stage.

The play explores the themes of fear, suspicion and hysteria and the dangerous consequences this can have on a society, suspicion and hysteria.

The decision to have the audience surrounding the stage worked perfectly meaning you are right in the thick of the action. It makes the connection between the actors and audience that much stronger.

It also adds to the drama especially during the court room scene.

There’s still time to catch The Crucible, which runs until Saturday (April 18). For tickets call Salisbury Information Centre on 01722 342860.