The Witches of Eastwick

It never ceases to amaze me how CODS always creates the atmosphere required for their shows by decorating the foyer with pointers to the show they are performing, thus creating an atmosphere from the moment you enter the building, and this, in a school hall, which has to be totally transformed in a short space of time, Witches of Eastwick was no exception, Egrets were the order of the day. The School hall was completely disguised by a wonderful set that hid the orchestra behind a clever picket fence on the side of the stepped stage.

Kelly Vallance took the role of Alex Spofford, the least feminine and most feisty of the “witch “trio.  Gillian McKenzie was Jane Smart in the more mature characterisation and Perdita Wright was the shy Sukie Rougemont, lacking in confidence. All played these challenging roles with great skill and great stage presence, that gave all three the individual characterisations required, but when coming together gave just the right balance that blended so well together. Their “flying “scene was well done and technically very well managed

Darryl Van Horne –Mike Felstead was extremely convincing. He performed with such style and sexual energy that any woman would have been mesmerised in his presence. Cathie Poole (Felicia Gabriel) together with Barry Stimson as the longsuffering Clyde gave excellent performances sparking off each other with great aplomb, the scenes where Felicia was producing all kinds of foreign bodies from her mouth was skilfully performed. Ben Edgecombe as Michael Spofford did well, loved his walk that gave him his character and his gyrations in the dancing was really very funny and well performed! He captured the pathos of this role as he struggled to cope with his first love. Steph Johnson as Jennifer Gabriel did well and with Michael Spofford made a great couple.

All the songs were well put over with superb choreography that one has grown to expect from Rachel Worsley. The chorus did well and the groupings were cleverly arranged.

CODs never disappoint, this is not an easy show to perform and it has difficult music that does not come easily, the singing both in solos and chorus was done particularly well and my congratulations to Ian Crew MD he must have been shattered every night after putting his all into it, along with his skilled orchestra. Heather Barlow should be well pleased with this production of Witches of Eastwick it was a night to remember for all the right reasons!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.