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Double, double, toil and trouble, something wicked this way comes... well, actually she seems quite nice. Kathleen Whyman meets Fiona Robertson, the Witch of Wookey Hole
BEWITCHED
Fiona Robertson, The Witch of Wookey, Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset, UK
What are your witching duties?
In the morning I meet and greet visitors at the entrance, then at lunchtime I go into the caves and go round with the tour guides. I also appear in two circus shows at 1pm and 3pm where I thank the per- formers. Generally I’m walking around talking to the guests, making sure they know where they’re going and having a good time. I work weekends and school holidays plus any press or promo events. I also work extra hours at Halloween, my busiest time of the year.
ABOUT WOOKEY HOLE CAVES Estimated to be 50,000 years old, Wookey Hole Caves have been home to ice age animals, prehis- toric man and Celts 2,000 years ago, until the Romans arrived. Now these caves, located in Somerset, UK, are a historical treasure inhabited by bats, spiders, frogs, eels – and, of course, the Witch of Wookey. The caves are now a visitor attraction with a light show, tours, a museum, a 19th cen- tury paper mill plus a theatre with a pirate circus show.
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Why did the role appeal to you?
I’m Somerset-born and bred so have grown up com- ing to the caves and hearing about the legend of the witch. The legend says that many years ago, a witch lived in the caves with her goats. The locals blamed her for disease, milk going rancid and crop failure. They got the Abbot of Glastonbury to come down and exorcise her. He blessed some water and threw it over her and she turned to stone. You can see this stone in the cave. I’m an actress and played a witch in a play last year. Having enjoyed that so much, I thought why not do it full-time.
Why did you get the role?
I’m a green witch and there weren’t many green witches at the audition. I wrote a one-minute mono- logue to perform from the point of the view of the witch in the legend. I’m different to previous witches as I’m a friendly witch, but my cackle’s pretty good!
What’s your performance?
Many younger children are so frightened of the witch that they don’t want to go into the caves. I try and make it fun for them so they do go in. I’m usually friendly but sometimes I cackle and sneak up on peo-
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ple. I go backwards around the mirror maze which causes a few jumps. When I accompany the tour guides I do a few bits to bring the tour to life more.
What’s your costume?
I have very bright stripy socks, a long black dress with orange sleeves and cobwebs on and the stand- ard pointy hat. I have two spiders – one on the top of my hat and one that sits on my tummy. I also carry a broomstick around. My green make-up takes about 20 minutes to put on, but a lot longer to take off!
What are the highs and lows?
The main high is actually being the Witch of Wookey. It’s great being able to enjoy myself so much at work. One of the lows is sleeping in the cave. Or it would be if I really had to do it – we tell people I do. Walking around outside gets chilly in the winter – witches don’t tend to wear coats, As I’m green, I’d melt if it rains, so I have to pick my time outside carefully.
What’s it like working in the caves?
Inside it’s 11 degrees Celsius all year round, so in the winter it’s quite warm compared to outside and in the summer it’s pleasantly cool. I get dripped on occa- sionally, but the caves are so beautiful I don’t mind.
How do people react when you tell them?
My 19-year-old brother is very embarrassed. Most people think it’s fantastic and a good opportunity. My mum likes to boast about it.
What does it mean to you?
It’s a great opportunity to add another character to my portfolio. It’s really nice to talk to people and make their day special. ●
AM 2 2010 ©cybertrek 2010
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