Witches of Eastwick

The Witches of Eastwick is a dark comedy fantasy centering around three women who unwittingly form a coven, based on John Updike’s novel of the same name.  The composite set is the front of a house featuring double doors with windows each complete with lights around them. Planters and trellis either side with trailing greenery. This opened up to reveal Darryl’s house with pull down bed featuring black and red silk bed sheets. A giant heart on the back wall with his portrait taking pride of place. Various trucks were then brought on for the other scenes inside Alexandra’s den, Jane’s living room, Sukie’s parlour, the Gabriels’ kitchen, Nemo’s Diner and various others. Also, a glitter curtain was used to good effect. Set Build and Management Ian Brown. Various props were used to help set the scenes - Properties by Sharon Shaw and Diane Pepper. Hydraulics for the flying and smoke all added to the effect of the show. Stage Crew Ian Brown, Mike Thomas and Gemma Marr. Lighting and Sound all helped create the magic. On the night I was there, there was some feedback on the microphones which was a minor blemish. Lighting by Chloe Spencer and Sound by Ashley Foster.

Wardrobe was by Lisa Williams and the costumes were on point. I particularly liked the correct footwear and hair. So good to see the hair away from the face for the ladies. Choreography really brought out the story and some great pictures created with the ensemble. Good controlled movements. Dance With the Devil with Darryl, Michael and company with the hip thrusting was hilarious and I may need therapy. Great work. Choreography was Lorraine Brown. Some difficult numbers were taken in their stride by the company under the guidance of Musical Director James Goodwin. With Waiting for the Music to Begin, Words Words Words & Eye of the Beholder standing out to mention just a few. The live band was Sam Rigby - Keys 1, James Goodwin - Keys 2, Taisiia Holovko on Reed 1 and Phil Steadman on Reed 2, Neil Kershaw on Trumpet, Matt Corrigan on Trombone, Tommy Gibbons on Guitar, Sophie Sully on Bass and Red Fielder-Van Kleef on Drums.  Directed by Mal Wood -he clearly knew what he wanted and with the use of the cast the scene changes were slick. Characters engaged with each other and it worked.

With a cast of 21 I cannot mention everyone but you all played your part in adding to the characters of the town. From the ‘weak’ men (Darryl’s words) to the gossiping women.

Craig Booth played Clyde Gabriel wanting his cake and eating it. His daughters were Francesca Robinson playing Marcy Gabriel and Ebony Williams played Jennifer Gabriel - the actual catalyst of the three women wanting what she has in a relationship. I thought Ebony did a great job when being controlled by Darryl - you could see the confusion in her face. Her mum Felicia Gabriel was played by Lesley Kellett. Lesley had a great character with her unravelling before our eyes in person as well as clothes. And the bewitching where she had to throw up various items, when Darryl’s wanted her out of the way was very well done.

Fidel the silent character always lurking about played by Matt Smith. Matt slid in and out of scenes and it was never sure if at times he was invisible to others, which I Iiked. Manservant to Darryl he was also integrated into the dances and moved the set around with a sinister attitude watching all the time was constant. His counterpart who did speak and sing was Little Girl played by Loredana Ogden, who again watches the unfolding action with a sinister undertone and almost doll-like head movements with a very sexy look. Loredana was in a few of the musical numbers and ends up protecting the three young women. A very watchable performance. Michael Spofford was played by Sean Baker the son of Alexandra. Worked really well with Ebony and I liked his character interpretation and energy. Great voice too.

The three women come as a package with sex being at the forefront. The subtext here is, if women stick together, they are more powerful. They are all lacking or wanting for something and conjure up Darryl through the song Make Him Mine. Disillusioned by men it sets them on the journey they won’t forget. Jennifer Hubbard played Alexander Spofford as the one the two other women look up to. Making clay sculptures to make a living she is vocal and independent. Jane Smart played by Niamh Allen-Davies. You get the feeling she is the most sexually pent up and the cello becomes a sexual instrument in the song Waiting for The Music to Begin. Sukie played by Hannah Baxendale was the more innocent of the three despite having an affair with Clyde. She finds her voice through the show. Jennifer, Niamh and Hannah worked really well together, complementing each other’s characters and looking like friends, finally finding their voice and position.

The protagonist is played by Nick Edwards taking on the role of Darryl Van Horne. The recipe is clear - have fun and bring the fun to stage, have energy, belief and give it your all. Tick, tick, tick and tick. Nick must have had a ball doing this part and it showed. Well done I really enjoyed your interpretation of Darryl.

Thank you HATS for the invite and hospitality from my guest Dawn and I. I am sure you heard me laughing, a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

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