High on a hill in the wild and lawless area of Pendle, a secret meeting is held at Malkin Tower.

By the end of the year, most of those present have been sentenced to death at Lancaster Castle - hanged for the crime of witchcraft.

"Sabbat", a new play by Richard Shannon, attempts to unravel the mysteries behind one one of England's most famous trials, that of the notorious Pendle Witches.

Did Alice Nutter and the others really take part in a witches' Sabbat?
Or were these Pendle folk innocent victims at a time of persecution, paranoia and superstition?

Shannon freely imagines the events leading up to the trial and execution of the Lancashire Witches and asks: "Who held the real power behind the tightly closed doors of Pendle? How many lives were destroyed by laws born out of fear?"

The play is staged at the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, from Thursday, Janury 29th, to Saturday, February 21st. Performances are Monday to Saturday 8 p.m., matinees Wednesday, February 4th, 10-30 a.m., Wednesday, February 11th, 2 p.m., Saturday, February 14th, 3 p.m. and Saturday, February 21st, at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are £13.50 Monday to Friday £13.50 (£9.50 concessions), Saturday £15.50 (£10.50 concessions), standing £5, matinees £10 (concessions £7.50).

For details, call the box office on 01524 598500.