Encapulus Productions is bringing their show, Witches Corner, to the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
“Witches Corner is a comedic socio-political play written by Eilidh Smith with original songs composed by Rona Johnston. Born out of injustice and a burning desire for more female-led storytelling, Witches Corner explores the fear of feminine power and the misogynistic roots of the witch trials. Challenging gender-based stereotypes and asking the question – are women still on trial today? Step into the shoes of both the accuser and the accused. Would you follow the crowd, be a bystander or stand up for what is right? Witches Corner will leave you aching for justice.”
The team at Encapulus Productions tell us more.
Where: Stephenson Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
When: 17-22 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/witches-corner
What can you tell us about your show? What is it about, and where did the idea come from?
“Magic or misogyny? Witches Corner is a comedic socio-political play with song, which exposes the ridiculous nature of the witch trials. The play has been born out of feminine rage and a burning desire for more female-led stories.
Pittenweem, the wee picturesque village where I [writer Eilidh Smith] grew up, has a dark history relating to the prosecution of witches. In 2023, a stereotypical witch mural appeared without prior planning permission, which sparked major controversy on the misrepresentation of witches. Some locals celebrated the work, whilst others pointed out how insensitive and inaccurate it was.
Growing up, moving away from home, the childlike and magical perception of the witches changed. The idea of a witch shifted as I entered womanhood and became more aware of how my gender affects my place in society. In today’s political climate, we are constantly exposed to violence towards women and girls. Our right to our own bodies and our freedoms are being debated. The world for women today does not feel safe.
We want this play to champion women’s rights and motivate women to use their voices to speak up unapologetically and act against injustice. We need audience members to be changed and motivated to seek justice, too. The play feels important, urgent, and necessary.
Having an all-female cast perform and write the music disrupts a music scene that is often oversaturated with men. There is power in reclaiming the story, challenging stereotypes, and pushing boundaries.
The humour and the wit act as a microphone to get people to listen. By using humour, we can lure audiences into a false sense of security. This elicits the same gut-punch feeling women know very well – from experiencing day-to-day misogyny.
The play was selected for a script development programme by Dogstar Theatre Company and supported by the Scottish Fisheries Museum. We have recently sold out two debut performances at The Scottish Storytelling Centre, bringing in 4* and 5* reviews:
- “A wild witchy blend of past and present feminist struggle” **** – A Young(ish) Perspective
- “F***ing brilliant” ***** – Scotsgay Arts
- “A thrilling blend of rage and resistance. Laughs loudly, sings fiercely and refuses to let history die quietly. A bold, Heartfelt and invigorating night of theatre.” **** – Corr Blimey
How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
Witches Corner is a comedic socio-political play written by Eilidh Smith with original songs composed by Rona Johnston. Born out of injustice and a burning desire for more female-led storytelling, Witches Corner explores the fear of feminine power and the misogynistic roots of the witch trials. Challenging gender-based stereotypes and asking the question – are women still on trial today? Step into the shoes of both the accuser and the accused. Would you follow the crowd, be a bystander or stand up for what is right? Witches Corner will leave you aching for justice.
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe? And do you have any moments you particularly remember.
Encapulus Productions has taken part in the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 and 2025. We love the opportunity to showcase work to a wide range of audiences – for people all over the world. It is such a rare and unique opportunity in terms of outreach – connecting with audiences and companies, especially coming together for Fringe.
We really enjoy the buzz and the energy Fringe brings to Edinburgh. As an Edinburgh-based collective, we feel so lucky to have these incredible performances and artists at our doorstep.
Personally, I have made great friendships with those I have met through participating in Fringe. The best feeling is taking a chance on a show or act and being blown away by it.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
We are most looking forward to bringing a story from such a small village to a big stage. To honour the women of the past and empower women of today. Giving a voice to those who were silenced and allowing female stories to be at the forefront.
What’s next for the show?
At some point in the future, we would love to tour Witches Corner around the East Neuk of Fife to bring the stories back home to where they originate from. There is not a lot of theatre within these small villages and towns so the idea of bringing a play rooted in their history feels so special.