Magical, spellbinding and unashamedly camp, Tim Murray is Witches is a show unlike any other. Taking the audience through some of the most iconic witches in pop culture herstory (yes that is the correct spelling), Murray dazzles the audience with singing, dancing, improv and thigh-slapping comedy.
A shining star in the Fringe sky this year
Clad in a midnight, cloaked gown with green face to match, Murray tells the audience of the confusion he felt as a child when other boys dressed as superheroes and all he wanted was to wear a pointy hat and long brown wig. Witches, he was told, could only be girls. Now, Murray is a teacher in a specialist school for young people experiencing mental health difficulties, and he is surrounded by queer acceptance. It is evident from his vulnerability and compassion that Murray has an incredible ability to connect with others, making them feel supported and comfortable. This is clear from the offset when Murray is quick to break the fourth wall and engage with the audience, much to our delight. This builds a bond between spectator and performer that makes us fully invested in every twist and turn he may take us on.
My experience of original songs in comedy routines is, to put it lightly, mixed; however, Murray’s melodies and lyrics are so expertly crafted that I cannot fault them. To write a song that combines musicality, clarity of pronunciation and lyrics that are (and I emphasise) genuinely funny is incredibly difficult, and yet the entire audience cackle with laughter at his musical theatre parodies and eccentric rap. Murray’s closing song that spoke of acceptance and allied friendships as a coven is breathtaking and finishes the performance on a special and touching note.
What is truly wonderful about Murray’s performance is his ability to blend so many disciplines into one seamless show. One moment you are bopping to his bonkers songs, the next you are learning about his childhood and cry-laughing at his live reactions to the audience. I confess, upon request I may or may not have told the audience a witchy story that Murray turned into an improvised song with a wonderfully queer narrative… I have no regrets.
Tim Murray is Witches is a phenomenal piece of theatre. Even if you don’t know what a witch is, I cannot recommend it enough. His show is truly a shining star in the Fringe sky this year.