The Witches of Eastwick

This show contains a wealth of acting, singing and dance opportunities, which, within K.A.O.S., are available in abundance.

Jane Donnelly (Sukie), Deirdre McFarlane (Jane) and Jackie Beatson (Alexandra) are both individually and collectively outstanding as the coven of "not-so-bad" witches. Throughout the show they treat us to three entirely different characterisations - with one common trait - they are all (eventually) seduced by the charismatic Darryl Van Horne, played to perfection by Charlie Sinclair.

"Witches of Eastwick", however, also affords ample opportunity for smaller, but by no means less entertaining characters. Firstly, we have Eastwick's First Citizen, Felicia Gabriel (Monica Holland), and her hen-pecked husband, Clyde (Clark Graham). Felicia and Clyde form an excellent duo, topped off with some well rehearsed magical illusions from Felicia throughout. Secondly, we have the two star-crossed lovers in Michael (Fraser Morrison) and Jennifer (Laura Jenkins / Lucy Sheerins). Our young lovers work and sing well together, whilst bringing a hint of normality to the otherwise "out-of-this-world" happenings in the rest of the musical. Finally, mention has to be made of the (almost) non-speaking role of Fidel (Ian Davidson). Ian made this part his own, very nearly upstaging other cast members on occasions, but always receiving ethusiastic audience reception on each of his appearances.

As always with K.A.O.S. the quality of the chorus matched that of the principals, evidenced in choral numbers such as "Eastwick Knows", "Dirty Laundry" and "Dance with the Devil". Not only did they sing splendidly - congratulations to the work of Musical Director, Tom Wright, - but also reacted so well to instruction from choreographer Carol Sinclair - and both at the same time!! - a feat not always accomplished with such applomb.

Direction, in the capable hands of Alasdair Hawthorn, ensured that the show progressed with pace. The necessary flying sequence at the end of Act One allowed our three witches to display the confidence they had in the flying equipment and the operators - the evening I saw the show, Alexandra, Jane and Sukie looked as if they were actually enjoying the flying experience! Scene changes - and there were plenty of them - were handled very smoothly, with good use being made of the number of trucks which glided on to the basic, static set, to move us from scene to scene. One memorable moment was the destruction of the church after Darryl Van Horne is "sucked" in to the altar - never to be seen again. Or is he - did I notice the moon change from white to a devilish red at the very end of the show (or was it my eyes?)!

Well done K.A.O.S. - a pleasure to watch.

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