Theatre

A shift of air gently rests above the townsfolk of Eastwick. They don't know it yet but the population of 665 is about to swell by one. Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart and Sukie Rougemont breathe a big sigh. They're in a rut, uptight, bored and our three divorcees regularly drown their sorrows.

Martinis and brownies seem to be the only excitement they are ever likely to achieve this stormy night, apart from maybe –'A perfect Man'. Is there such a thing? They wish! No I mean it! Amid all the laughter and booze the girls cast their spell summoning up the extra resident.

666 a very ‘Devilish’ number!

Oh dear, what will the Eastwick Preservation Society's number one resident Felicia Gabriel have to say about the mysterious Daryl Van Horne? And how exactly will our not so wicked witches cope with the charismatic seducer who as it happens has just arrived and moved into town?

One by one our girls fall under the bewitching charms of new resident Daryl. Unleashing passions beyond anything they have ever experienced before, the girls also discover another little charm they seem to have acquired. Their witching powers are growing stronger. Eastwick becomes awash with scandal and 'dirty laundry' gets done in public.

Meanwhile Felicia sends her daughter Jennifer away to college from such goings on and as far from Alexandra's son Michael as she can. Felicia's husband Clyde (who once had an affair with Sukie) finds his life a waste of space and tries endlessly to do himself in.

When objects start pouring from Felicia's mouth it's pretty certain our coven of
Daryl's beauties have cast another spell, and so the mysterious death of Felicia and Clyde follows. Our witches are filled with guilt and start to dismiss Daryl. Not happy about this Daryl moves in on the distressed Jennifer. Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie want no more of this man.

Armed with Daryl's effigy they cast him out of Eastwick before he has the chance of marrying the distressed orphan. Jennifer makes up with Michael, Eastwick residents mellow. Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie, return to normal – Or do they?!

Leading ladies Trish Burgess, Julie Cooke, Sheila Millington, pull out all the stops. From plain Janes to vamps, (male audience appreciation was noted!), they were completely bewitching and are exceptional actresses.

Alasdair Baker our leading man and (director) certainly gives Jack Nicholson a run for his money he really does have the charm of the devil – simply brilliant!

Direction, orchestra, musical direction, set, lighting, special effects and costumes were exactly what I would expect from S.A.D.O.S. The light American accent worked beautifully, the whole cast delivered a sublime performance.

As I have said many times before, productions on this scale prevent me mentioning everyone individually. However, I must mention Sharon Barker Herauville (Felicia). Her acting ability was wonderful, how she mastered the objects in her mouth I will never know! David Lewsey (Fidel the butler) great comedian, I loved him (and the wig!). Natalie Tyner gave it her all (a leading lady in the making) and last but not least Ellen Baker (the little girl) who insisted on singing verse or songs until she eventually became a pain in the backside to our leading ladies (nice touch!).

Interesting Facts

Witches of Eastwick:

• Book and lyrics by John Dempsey.
• Music by Dana P. Rowe.
• Based on the novel by John Updike and Warner Bros. Motion picture.
• Adapted from the novel into a film starring Jack Nicholson as Daryl Van Horne,  Michelle Pfeiffer as Sukie, Susan Sarandon as Jane and
• Cher as Alexandra.
• In 1866 Spalding Amateur Society was formed.
• In 1928 The Operatic Society was formed.
• S.A.D.O.S as it's known today.