Review: Wenches!, Fringe 2025

Hysterie Theatre, a Berlin-based company, makes an explosive debut at the Fringe with their play, Wenches! Set initially in 15th-century Germany, the play follows two peasant women, Bertegilde and Nortburga, grappling with the deaths of their friends who have been killed as witches.

The show starts with a dark, humorous conversation between the pair, performed with a (contextually) sinister yet polite German accent that sets a brilliant, unsettling tone. Their regret at their own inaction leads them to seek out a witch in the woods, setting in motion a fantastically absurd journey that bridges the gap between the historical absurdity of witch hunts and the performative activism of the modern day.

A Theatrical Time-Bender

The play is an impressive blend of historical commentary, dark humour, and modern satire. As the two protagonists, Bertegilde and Nortburga, seek advice from a local witch, they are catapulted through time and into a world of social media, hashtags, and podcasts. The witch, Bogdana, who speaks with a brilliant American accent, seems to possess and be possessed by the spirits of the dead, but it’s her ability to see the future of social media that truly twists the plot. This bizarre transition, from medieval peasants to digital activists, is a stroke of theatrical genius. The show’s core question: is online activism enough? Is it a true form of action or just a performance? – is woven throughout the play with sharp wit and hilarious absurdity.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is the cast’s ability to seamlessly and hilariously break the fourth wall. The three leading performers, Maya Le Roux, Bianca Waechter, and Derya Celikkol, don’t just act; they command the stage with an energy and charisma that makes the audience feel complicit in their comedic chaos. The show is not just a story; it’s a conversation. The actors’ (mild) interactions with the audience, along with creative use of projections (at the start), create an immersive experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The sound design by Kyra Le Roux and animations by Aaliyah Lynch add an extra layer of professionalism and cleverness, ensuring that the visual and auditory experience is as impressive as the script and performances.

Overall

Wenches! is a fast-paced, sharp-witted, and unapologetically satirical debut from Hysterie Theatre. The three-woman cast acts their socks off, bringing to life a narrative that is both historically grounded and frighteningly relevant. The show manages to be humorous, dark, and politically charged all at once, making its commentary on inaction versus performative activism particularly potent. It’s a fantastic, funny, and deeply intelligent piece of theatre that makes you laugh, squirm, and think. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the best debuts at this year’s Fringe. It’s a must-see show that is worth the ticket price.