We're here again to have a chat with Tony. This time to find out more about the historic events that have influenced the Maleficium story.

Hello again, Tony. We've learnt where the inspiration for Maleficium comes from, but how do we know so much about the actual events?

Well, it’s quite unusual to have contemporary accounts of a trial from so long ago, but in this case we do.

It’s in the form of a popular pamphlet entitled ‘The Wonderful Discoverie of Witches in the County of Lancaster’ by Thomas Potts of Chancery Lane, London and is dated 16th November 1612 - some three months after the trials took place.

What does it tell us about the trials?

Not only does it contain a record of the proceedings, but it also contains transcripts of the confessions and witness statements provided as evidence. Although these are all written in the formal style of the 17th Century court, it’s not too difficult to read between the lines.

Read between the lines?

Yes, these statements don’t simply recount events, they give an insight into the the characters involved - their hopes, their beliefs, and the stark realities of their existence.

Sounds like an emotional source for sharing what everyone went through.

It is, and that’s the story I’ve tried to tell. The folks in this tale have their ups and downs - their comedies and their tragedies. There are close family ties and bitter family feuds. But at the end of the day they are just people. People who got caught up in events beyond their control.

Join us for our performance of Maleficium, a story of the Pendle Witches to discover the full story. Book your tickets now