Dancing With The Devil Has Never Felt So Angelic

Many of us will already be familiar with the 1987 cult classic film version of John Updike's novel The Witches Of Eastwick. However, John Dempsey's translation of the story into a stage musical offers a new and exciting journey through the lives of the small-time inhabitants of Eastwick as their otherwise perfect lives are blighted by scandal, indecency and unintentional witchcraft. This is a story that ultimately needs commitment and Stafford & District Operatic Society deliver that commitment in absolute abundance, providing the audience with show-stopping ensemble numbers and attacking the more risqué elements with confidence.

The show is opened by a character simply called Little Girl - played entirely convincingly and charmingly by Charlotte Hernandez. She is soon joined by the rest of the ensemble cast who treat the audience to an opening number worthy of any West End show. Throughout the performance, they continue to deliver, teaming their wonderful vocal skills with expert choreography, particularly in Dirty Laundry which was a clear audience favourite.

Will Wood took on the role of Darryl Van Horne, surrounded by three leading ladies who were a pleasure to watch. Tracey Brough as Alexandra is perfectly sarcastic and treats us to beautifully jazzy and seductive vocals throughout. Jessica Smith achieves an excellent balance between stuttering shyness and sweetness as Sukie and Katie Phizacklea provides the audience with plenty to talk about as Jane, transforming from utter repression to unstoppable passion in the passage of a single song (Waiting For The Music To Begin). Her amazing operatic overtones gave the song the perfect element of manic abandonment. All three ladies blend their vocals and characters together seamlessly and their close harmonies are a joy to listen to. Make Him Mine and Another Night At Darryl's are numbers to definitely watch out for.

Special mention must also go to Hannah Morris and Sam Parton as Jennifer and Michael, portraying a very innocent picture of young, fresh-faced love. Jon Wilson delivered well as the hen-pecked yet adorable Clyde and Jane Steed's Felicia also had great potential with her prim and busybody attitude.  

Stafford & District Operatic presented a stellar show with such impressive vocal talent, this is a tantalising little slice of musical theatre that should definitely not be missed.

Stafford & District Operatic Society’s The Witches of Eastwick will be at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre until 18 April. For more information and to book click here, or call the ticket hotline on 07817 215 420. 

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