WENCH

If you are looking for something a bit different to fill your calendar this May, there is a musical coming to Ironworks Studios that takes a sharp look at how we treat people who don't quite fit the mould. It is called WENCH, and it is described as a darkly comic musical that blends gritty humour with lyrical ballads. The story centres on a character named Martha Tallow, who finds herself on trial before a community determined to 'cleanse' her. She is accused of heresy and being generally inconvenient, which sets the stage for a narrative that explores themes of hysteria and the stories we tell when we feel threatened.

What makes this production interesting is how it handles the concept of a witch trial. Rather than anchoring itself to a specific historical period, it pulls the idea of a witch hunt into the present day. It frames the performance as a mix of a musical farce, a courtroom drama, and a personal manifesto. The show asks some pointed questions about who gets labelled as unnatural, who is shamed for their desires, and who ends up being punished for thinking differently. It is essentially a piece of theatre that uses a mix of humour and drama to examine social dynamics.

If you are planning to head down to Ironworks Studios at 30 Cheapside, the performances are scheduled for the 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th of May 2026. Each show starts at 20:00 and is expected to finish around 21:45. Tickets are currently priced at £13.00 for standard entry, though it is worth noting that these prices can fluctuate daily, so it is best to check the online booking system if you decide to go. Given the themes of the play and the mention of 'filthy humour' in the description, it is the kind of show that leans into a more adult, independent theatre vibe.