Donmar Warehouse has unleashed a potent and atmospheric new force onto the London stage with the world premiere of Juniper & Blood. This isn't your typical pointy-hat witchcraft; it's a raw, intelligent, and deeply unsettling plunge into modern magic, female power, and the shadows of history that refuse to stay buried.
Written by the acclaimed Eleanor Henderson and directed with visionary precision, the play transports the infamy of the Lancashire witch trials into a contemporary setting. The result is a gripping narrative that holds a dark mirror up to our own society's fears, prejudices, and the enduring persecution of those who exist on the fringes.
A Coven of Stellar Performances
Leading the charge is the formidable Anne-Marie Duff, whose performance is nothing short of magnetic. She embodies a complex, modern-day witch with a ferocious vulnerability that commands the stage. She is ably supported by a stellar ensemble cast, including the ever-brilliant Sophie Okonedo and a captivating Lydia West, who together create a coven of distinct, powerful, and deeply human characters.
The chemistry is palpable, weaving a story of sisterhood, survival, and the fierce protection of a way of life under threat.
A Feast for the Senses
The production is a masterclass in immersive theatre. The stage design is both minimalist and profoundly evocative, using clever lighting, haunting soundscapes, and subtle effects to create an atmosphere thick with tension and possibility. You can almost smell the damp earth and feel the crackle of energy in the air.
This is not a play reliant on jump scares; its horror is psychological, built on a creeping dread and the terrifyingly real threat of mob mentality and modern-day scapegoating.
More Than Just Magic
At its heart, Juniper & Blood is a searing social commentary. It compellingly explores themes of otherness, the weaponisation of fear, and the systemic oppression of women throughout history—themes that resonate with chilling relevance today. It asks uncomfortable questions about who we deem dangerous and why, forcing the audience to confront their own preconceptions.
This is urgent, necessary theatre that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. A must-see for anyone seeking a play with depth, darkness, and a powerful magical core.
Juniper & Blood is playing at the Donmar Warehouse, London, now. Book your tickets before this spell sells out.
