'Coven' by Rebecca Brewer and Daisy Chute

20 January 2026

On Saturday we made a first visit to the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn, North London, to see 'Coven' - a new musical about the Pendle witch trials written by Rebecca Brewer and Daisy Chute, directed by Miranda Cromwell. The story is built on the possibility that Jenet Device, who was accused of witchcraft by an 11 year old boy in 1633, could have been the same Jenet Device whose evidence as a child witness against her own family in the Pendle trial of 1612 set the precedent for the use of child testimony in witch trials. 'Coven' is a powerful show, performed by an all female cast (with the musicians also forming part of the on stage ensemble). Given the 17th century Lancashire setting I had assumed the music would have a folk feel but the show features an eclectic range of styles from traditional folk to rock, pop, rap and gospel. There is some very impressive singing throughout - with Gabrielle Brooks as Jenet and Lauryn Redding as Rose the standout performances. Jasmine Swan's inventive set suggests Pendle Hill in the background and has a few surprises in store. The show addresses a dark subject and is angering, moving and powerful but also finds humour in a desperate situation and uses some satirical scenes to good effect. The finale packed a strong, emotional punch and had the sold-out (mostly female) audience spontaneously on its feet.