The Witches of Eastwick

The devil, in the shapeof Darryl van Horne, sets up home in the cosy New England town of Eastwick.  He soon befriend, seduces and libertes Alexandra, Jane and Sukie, three repressed women who don’t fit in to Eastwick’s smug mould and alienates Felicia Gabriel the town’s self-appointed leading lady.

The Witches of Eastwick is a pacy tuneful musical full of witty dialogue and a story which starts on a light note but which takes a sinister turn after the interval.

Lee Power as Darryl held attention from his first, sudden entrance when he disrupted the town carnival, through to his even more dramatic exit as he slid away, defeated, under the alter at what should have been his wedding ceremony, demolshing the chapel, en-route. Initially charming and light on his feet, he became a darker, more ponderous character in Act II as his dominance was challenged.  His singing voice was always commanding, notably when he declared I Love a Little Town and, later, proclaimed The Glory of Me.

The actors playing his three conquests were notable, not only for their outstanding individual performances but also for their natural-sounding interaction as best friends and the way their singing voices blended. Kristen Callaway (Jane), Caron Ireland (Sukie) and Lisa Scott (Alexandra) all showcased as soloists and came together for trios such as the heartfelt Make Him Mine. Bravely, they showed no concern when the technical team had a slight problem co-ordinating tham as they flew above the stage.

Sarah Trotman’s Felicia was scary enough to frighten the audience, let alone her downtrodden husband Clyde, played by Chris Evans.

Helen Bartlett and Peter Calver gave supprt as two young lovers, whose romance was strewn with obstacles.

Polly Cox, 12, (alternating with Millie Arkhurst) made a confident stage debut as a mysterious child who holds the key to breaking Darryl’s power.

Ensemble singing was always impressive and the dancers generally interpreted Dawn’s choreography with flair, although a few members of the team seemed slightly uncertain of their steps in some sequences.

Director James FOrtune, a member of the Inner Magic Circle, introduced an extra dimension, with several intriguing tricks including a mystifying walking skeleton.

These were well worth seeing but some were, perhaps, missed unless attention was diverted from the main action.

Musical director Debbie Warren and her orchestra played a vital part in giving thos powerful production the punch it demanded.

• Type: user
• Performance Date: 14/10/2008
• Star rating: 12345