Few modern plays employ such intense, often difficult dialogue as Arthur Miller's masterpiece, The Crucible.

The Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society met the challenge head-on and brought the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to chilling life.

Darren Skinner, as the key character John Proctor, gave an astonishing performance as a flawed everyman figure who, finally, prefers to die rather than nod to the lies.

Another great presence on the opening night stage was Sue Millington-Jones, as the kindly Rebecca Nurse.

How movingly she played a saintly but condemned old woman who, although not often in the spotlight, exists throughout as the spirit of common sense and conscience.

Miller drew parallels with the 'witch-hunts' of the 1950s, led by anti-Communist US Senator McCarthy, to show baseless accusations can often seem logical.

Michael Epps gave a complex performance as the chillingly self-interested Reverend Parris, and Peter Griffiths, as Deputy Governor Danforth, was a terrifying master accuser.

Special mention must be made of Melissa Morris, as the scheming "possessed" teenager, Abigail Williams.

Tribute must also be paid to Hettie Guilding, who very ably played Mary Warren, a young girl who finally lacks the moral strength to tell the truth in court.

This excellent production runs this evening (Friday) and tomorrow at the Market Theatre.

Gary Bills-Geddes