Abigail Williams

Abigail Williams is a poignant and electrifying theatrical piece that held the audience from the moment the lights dimmed. Set against an eerie black stage (Salem in 1692, Broadway in 1953 and Sydney in 2025), this scintillating production reimagines the infamous tale of Abigail Williams in a one-woman performance that leaves one questioning the very nature of villainy, truth, and survival.

At the heart is Ebony Tucker, breathtaking in her portrayal of Abigail Williams. She masterfully transitions between the characters of her haunting past and present. Her portrayal leads us through a labyrinth of love, betrayal, and reckoning, challenging preconceived notions and demanding empathy for a character so often judged by history.

Rebecca McNamee, Writer and Director, brilliantly deconstructs Abigail’s infamous story. Her textured and innovative approach allows the audience to unravel layers of Abigail’s life, debunking myth and humanising the antagonist of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. McNamee's adept storytelling ensures that each scene is a revelation and a reflection. Angelina Daniel’s Set and Costumes mimic Abigail, appearing simple at first but beautifully layered and complex. 

The Lighting by Chris Milburn is a visual poem that conjures the eerie essence of these various eras with sometimes subtle, sometimes dramatic, and impactful strokes or flashes. Milburn's design bathes the stage in haunting candlelight and dramatic shadows, drawing us into Tucker’s performance. Alongside this, Keelan Ellis’s evocative soundscape and composition echo the tension and nostalgia, underpinning key moments with haunting sounds and minimal uncomfortable silence.

Stage Manager Jemima Owen guides the seamless flow of this intricate performance, whose adept coordination ensures every element aligns perfectly. From the moment the opening line, “You know me,” is uttered with chilling certainty to the heart-wrenching finale that bridges Abigail’s past and present, every detail is meticulously crafted like a dance of chance, but we know it is the precision in every key moment that holds the actor, story, and crew as one.

Abigail Williams is more than a play; it is an experience that stays with you, lingering in thoughts and conversations well beyond the theatre doors. This production does not simply tell Abigail’s story—it invites, challenges, and encourages audiences to see beyond the surface and explore the often-overlooked complexities of young women throughout history.

Theatregoers will find themselves entranced not just by Ebony Tucker’s magnetic performance but by an entire creative team that has transformed this tale into one that is current and resonant. It elevates the discourse around history and brings Abigail's misunderstood heart to the forefront of modern storytelling. This is a chance to witness a spellbinding journey, and I hope McNamee has more stories to tell. 

Nicole Smith

Photographer: Robert Miniter