Review: COVEN, Kiln Theatre
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
As magical forces gather on a rainy November night in Kilburn, we arrive at Kiln Theatre for the opening night of Coven, a new musical by Rebecca Brewer and Daisy Chute, directed by none other than the creative genius that is Miranda Cromwell. With a killer creative team and a well-seasoned cast, all omens suggested that this would be a magical night. And my word, it truly was.
The Kiln Theatre is well known for championing new and fresh writing, but its relatively new-found focus on musical theatre has blessed us with some instant classics in the last few years. Coven is here to rightfully claim its place on that list.
Set in the mid 1600s, the show follows a group of Lancashire women, all accused of practicing witchcraft and held in a small cell while awaiting trial. Enter Jenet Device, a young woman with a dark past, who has just been arrested and branded a witch.
Jenet challenges the dynamic of the group and as the show goes on, the women are called to face their past, present and future in order to find their way to true liberation.
Through her simple, yet highly effective set design, Jasmine Swan makes excellent use of the Kiln stage, allowing for quick and seamless transitions between events. Her clever use of levels not only separates the multiple locations, but subtly hints at social status differences between characters.
Every single member of the cast gives spellbinding performances, however Gabrielle Brooks’ killer vocals, along with Diana Vickers and Lauryn Redding’s masterful acting and phenomenal multi-roling skills, deserve a special mention.
Coven does a great job at highlighting the historical trauma of women, which sometimes divides and discourages, but ultimately empowers and unites women. While the topics discussed or sung about are without a doubt relatable and relevant, the show loses some of its power on occasion, when the messages are communicated through narration rather than through turn of events, giving a more TED talk-y feeling to some of the scenes.
The star of this production is without a doubt the music, which draws heavily on Gaelic and folk sounds, and penetrates deeply into the soul of the audience.
‘Burn Our Bodies’, an instant anthem, is without a doubt the pinnacle of the show, where the entire ensemble comes together in a Handmaid’s Tale-esque moment, full of magnetic, powerful, feminine energy.
It is safe to say that Rebecca Brewer, Daisy Chute and the rest of the team have brewed a potion for success with Coven, a play whose echoes will linger in the air long after the audience have left the auditorium. We can only hope that a cast recording will soon be on it’s way!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Erifyli Gigante
Coven plays at London’s Kiln Theatre until 17 January 2026, with further info here.
