THE WITCHING WAY
written with Leo Burtin, video by Adam York Gregory, band featuring Sophie Galpin (Self Esteem/SOAK), Becky Wilkie (RashDash), and Ellis Davies (Honeyfeet/Shyfinger)

Photo: Chris Payne/The Royal Exchange

Two years ago we walked the 65 miles from Pendle Hill to Lancaster Castle, retracing the footsteps of the so-called Lancashire Witches who were hanged for seeming a little out of the ordinary. Reflecting on this pilgrimage led us to create the live concept album that is The Witching Way.

After struggling with the perils of peer pressure, W. (our teen witch protagonist) is transported to a cottage in a strange and wondrous landscape. In order to find her way home, she embarks on a quest to reckon with her history, overcome extraordinary obstacles and ultimately find her voice.

With musical genres spanning punk, folk, blues and drone rock, this DIY rock opera brings together a live band, music video visuals and narrative text for an experiment in magical thinking. 

Performers: Ali Matthews, Sophie Galpin, Becky Wilkie, Ellis Davies
Video Design: Adam York Gregory
Sound Engineer: Eleanor Theodorou
Costume Design: Abby Clarke
LX Design: Louise Andersen 
Video Op: MJ Mizra

With special thanks to Matt Randall, Claire Symonds, Niki Woods, Sashwati Mira Sengupta, Julia Nelson, Peter Stevenson, Cheddar Gorgeous & Liquorice Black. Additional support provided by Arts Council England, the Lowry and New Adelphi Theatre at the University of Salford.