The Wicked Lady comes to the New Vic Theatre this week.

Jul 1 2009 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

ARISTOCRACY, highway robbery and dramatic aerial scenes combine in the New Vic Theatre’s latest offering The Wicked Lady.

The production is based on original novel The Life and Death of the Wicked Lady Skelton, by Magdalen King-Hall.

Circus performer and aerial specialist Vicki Amedume and playwright Bryony Lavery have joined forces to tell the story of an aristocrat-turned-highwaywoman who, to escape a life of boredom, turns to a life of crime.

Highway robbery and bodice-ripping scenes are recreated in mid-air, thanks to the talents of ex-tiger tamer Amedume of specialist aerial company, Upswing.

Two years in the making, the spectacular action adventure is the brainchild of New Vic artistic director and BBC writer, Theresa Heskins.

Theresa said: “Bryony has created a terrific piece of writing, and she’s set me a huge challenge. Much of the action takes place on horseback, demanding an ingenious approach to these sequences.

“Our aerial sequences are groundbreaking right now, though I’m sure that won’t be the case for long.”

The show runs from this Friday until Saturday, July 25. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are £8.50-£17.50, phone the box office on 01782 717962.