The Witches of Eastwick

This was compelling drama with the frictions in public, the atmospheric bangs of thunder and the brooding, almost seething cauldron of emotions complemented at times by burnings on the video wall. This was an introverted society run by one forceful woman whose dominance more than irked its inhabitants. Three woman conjured up a wish of what life could be like if there was a special man to spice up their lives. The rest of the drama focused on the result of their wish being miraculously granted. All the principals were well cast and entered their roles fully committed and focussed. The three women or ‘witches’ powerfully projected their roles from the resonant Make Him Mine moment. Having called on ‘the devil’ when Darryl did appear, each revealed a different side to their character. Jane, played suggestively by Stephanie Baillie, forcefully sang and was wonderfully choreographed in Waiting For The Music To Begin when she is seduced by Darryl into abandon. Sukie, performed by Ashley MacFarlane, was also seduced this time by his listening to her talk in Words, Words Words, a beautifully executed and impressive patter song where she never missed a beat/word. And Alexandra, given a strong impelling personality by Lorraine Tufft, was seduced through her modelling clay dolls as she sang The Eye of The Beholder. All three were powerful singers together, and separately, from first to last. Billy Naismith as Darryl van Horne entered their homes unobtrusively then took over their lives. He had huge impact on their behaviours and came across at first as smooth, confident and interested in them as he manipulated them but then dangerous as he encouraged them to use their powers to take revenge on Felicia the dominant citizen. When he went too far he transformed showing the bile and aggression within. Gillian Wallace gave an effective performance as the sophisticated Felicia who ran everything in the town including her husband. She handled the vomiting realistically and cleverly. Her husband Clyde was well played by Nick Tobias showing his inability and frustration at being unable to answer his wife’s logic and eventually forced to take drastic action. They were all ably assisted by the minor roles - Aiden French as Alexandra’s son Michael who was also led astray and by Amy Reilly as Felicia’s daughter Jennifer who was innocently caught up in Darryl’s devilry. Giving much comedic relief was Iain Hughes as Fidel with all his different hairstyles and expressions. The townspeople and whole cast numbers were well grouped as well cleverly choreographed with energetic performances in Dirty Laundry and Dance with the Devil. Special mention must go to the men and their moves in Who’s The Man? Costumes reflected the ordinary towns folk, which contrasted well against the red and black and sensuous outfits for the racier moments. Congratulation to all the cast who caught darkness and humour and presented a polished and impactful show.

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