"It does not matter what is true, or not true. All that matters is what is written down."

Essex, 1643. A country divided. A town on its knees. A teenage girl with a dangerous secret.

Adapted by Ava Pickett from the award-winning novel by A. K. Blakemore, The Manningtree Witches is both a gripping historical drama and a fiercely modern exploration of fear, control, and what happens when women's voices are silenced.

It is published alongside the premiere production by Mercury Theatre Colchester in 2026.

A. K. Blakemore is a poet and novelist from London. Her first novel, The Manningtree Witches, won the 2021 Desmond Elliott Prize for Best First Novel and was shortlisted for the Costa and RSL Ondaatje Prizes. Ava Pickett is a writer for theatre, film and television. Her plays include: an adaptation of A. K. Blakemore's The Manningtree Witches (Mercury Theatre Colchester & Frantic Assembly, 2026); an adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma (Rose Theatre, Kingston, 2025); and 1536 (Almeida Theatre, London, 2025; winner of the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize). Her work for television includes co-writer on The Great (Hulu/Channel 4), Brassic (Sky) and Ten Pound Poms (BBC One).