The Witches of Eastwick

Larbert audience was given a resounding performance tonight. Three superb witches and a do-gooder, all in fine voice, gave forceful and striking characterisations with not a pin to choose between them. Michelle Weston moved totally out of panto princess role to reveal a gutsier singer in her role as witch Sukie Rougemont, Helen Roxburgh took the role of witch Alexandra by storm and Shelley Procek revealed a driven and passion-deprived witch in Jane Smart. Not to be outdone, Tracy Rice was a truly antagonising Felicia. I was unsure at first as to the character of Daryll Van Horne but Stewart Borthwick brought all his stage experience to bear to present the smarmy enticer turned sleezy, manipulating bully. He revelled in 'Dance with the Devil' encouraging the other men to join in his devilry. Other principals were no slouches either: Michael Spoffard as Joe struck the right notes with Anne Easton as Jennifer who revealed a sweet and controlled voice; Greer Robertson tackled the part of Bag Lady with a believable earthiness; and Graeme Rodger brought out the anger that lurked under that innocently seeming cardigan in the underdog Clyde. Their good singing was echoed in the chorus with energy particularly in 'Daryll Van Horne'  and 'Dirty Laundry'. The production was well served by the choreographer making movement look easy, by the MD in bringing out wonderful sounds and by the producer in stretching his players to get the best. All was enhanced by clever lighting on minimal sets. This was a company sure of its quality and having a ball.

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