Witches of Eastwick

Selecting this show for inclusion in the annual programme for any theatre or company can often be a risk. A calculated one though and designed to attract wider and different audiences from those attending traditional musicals. Though not to everyone’s taste it has an appeal in providing live theatre entertainment.

A solitary figure at the start and appearing at intervals throughout the show Jo Edwards as ‘Little Girl’ provided a story telling role often accompanied by loud sound effects. Based on the novel by John Updike the story is set in the tiny New England community of Eastwick, where three unsatisfied women, in order to brighten up their lives, innocently plot and ruminate over a heady brew of Martinis and peanut butter brownies. The arrival of 'Darryl Van Horne', brings seduction and empowerment to the modern day witches when encountering the demonic “hero” who makes them have so much fun they are really flying!.

The principal line up included some strong quality performances headed in splendid style by the three exceptional witches.Joanna Hughes as failed sculptress ‘Alexandra Spofford’ convincing vocally and artistically. Holly Russell in the role of musician ‘Jane Smart’ who, when practising her ‘cello, on the encounter with Darryl’, playing a duet with him, unleashing passion both in her music and her soul. Louisa Ford as ‘Sukie Rougemont’ the bookworm portrayed the character to the letter. All three ladies proved to be artistically and vocally secure. The trio piece “I wish I May” was a harmonious delight.

Chris Wiltshire in his portrayal of the corrupt manipulative ‘Darryl Van Horne’ made his presence felt. At times his performance in song and dialogue was adversely impacted by some inaudibility in terms of sound quality. However many of the characteristic traits were in evidence in his interaction with others on stage.

‘Felicia Gabriel’ domineering, smug as the self-appointed leader of the town, dressed appropriately in fashionable checked suits amongst others, is a bustling “busybody” and totally confident in her abilities to manipulate was played to perfection by Karen Perrey. Married to ‘Clyde’ (Tom Collen) down trodden, bullied and trapped in a relationship with his nagging wife!,but seeing ‘Sukie’ on the side. Felecia is also the mother of Jennifer delightfully played by Alisha James especially during one of the more gentle songs “Sometimes” in a close harmony duet with Nathan Wilde in the role of ‘Michael’. Other notable performances came from Jane Barnes as ‘Brenda Parsley’ and Graeme Sinclair in the role of ‘Ed Parsley’ Eastwick’s man of the cloth. The plot in the process introduced a number of other interesting ladies and gentlemen in the chorus who occasionally dipped in vocal quality and movement in the few full ensemble numbers. “Dirty Laundry” was however performed well.

Costumes provided an authentic hint for all the characters on stage but principals and the whole ensemble at times could not be heard, overpowered by a loud orchestra, making the appealing musical score unable to be fully appreciated.

The production benefited from a simple yet effective set with scene changes executed without too much disruption. The “flying scene” to end Act One was cleverly staged in a manner that from an audience perspective gave a sense of movement in the air in a mysterious mist. Inspired use of props particularly when the three witches plague Felicia with wicked spells pouring drawing-pins, toenail clippings, spiders and cherry stones into the magic cookie jar … the objects magically appearing out of Felicia's vile mouth. Other innovative touches included tumbling walls when the witches turned the tables and got their own back on ‘Darryl’

Overall this was an entertaining musical which breaks in tone and language from many, but one which has its place in modern live theatre.

Ian G Cox Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

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