The Truth

As Roleystone Theatre anxiously await the completion of their new home, their latest production, Terry Pratchett’s The Truth, is being performed at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. Terry Pratchett plays tend to have somewhat of a cult following and this production is attracting very healthy audiences.

Simply set, as it involves numerous locations around Discworld, the show features many familiar characters and boldly attempts to retell the novel on the stage – an epic task. This sometimes means that things are very condensed or covered in a rush – and there are jokes that really only land if you are familiar with the novel.

Central character William De Worde is played very nicely indeed by William Darlington, a strong performance that anchors the show beautifully. His companions, dwarfs Gunilla Goodmountain and Boddany are played with bearded good humour by Janice McLean and Kelly Salathiel.

Every story needs a good villain or two, and the truth has conniving Mr Pin played by Aaron O'Neil, and the imposing but enigmatic Mr Tulip played with good fun by Peter “Pear” Carr.

Lilly Litchfield brings gravitas to Lord Vetenari, and good contrast to his hapless lookalike. Evan Bialas is a believable Commander Vimes. 

The cast is too large to mention everyone, but I particularly enjoyed Callum Presbury's recurring appearances as Foul Old Ron and Chloe Palliser’s Sergeant Angua. The cast have a good, united ensemble feel.

Costumes by Sarah Boyle are truly Discworld chic - eclectic but appropriate and there is a plethora of props weapons and armour supplied by Ron Birch. There are touches of whimsy and fun in the make-up, hair, and postiche by Yvette Drager Wetherilt, and we were treated to a reappearance of the amazing troll puppet designed and built by Gary Wetherilt, Connie Wetherilt and Yvette Drager Wetherilt, this time operated with panache by Terrence Alexander. 

This is a very long play and at times the pace needs a boot, and the very episodic nature of the show requires even faster scene changes, but these issues did not diminish the enjoyment of the large audience.

A must see for Terry Pratchett tragics and Discworld devotees.

Kimberley Shaw