The Witches of Eastwick - Redditch Operatic Society

Reddich Operatic flew into the Reddich Palace tonight for their rendition of the stunning Witches of Eastwick. A tale that narrates three girls, stuck in the dry suburban Eastwick town, who wish for a man that will fulfill all their dreams... “speak of the devil and up he pops!” Darryl Van Horne brings all their ‘Wildest Dreams’ to life and an equal amount of mayhem to the town too!

Mark Williams brought a new light to the character of the magical Darryl Van Horne giving a cheeky take on this sexual beast of a character. Similarly, the 3 leading ladies Jane Smart (Lisa Lilwall), Alexandra Spofford (Louise Walton) and Sukie Rougemont (Danielle Purkess) lead the show well as the wishful girls who really came to life in their trio songs Make Him Mine, I Wish I May and the finale Look at Me – which was the most stunning number in the show. Undoubtedly, Louse Walton had some of the strongest vocals, which were mightily apparent in her duet with Darryl Van Horne – Dream Your Wildest Dreams – a stunning number. Other standout performances came from Penny Hoy as the town leader (or dictator) Felicia Gabriel and her on stage husband Clyde Gabriel (Tim Eagleton) who stole all the comic moments with his performance.

The young love-struck couple Jennifer (Mollie Hallahan) and Micheal (Paul Mitchell) created a cute, almost cringy, love-filled relationship and most apparent in their duet Something where their respective performances blended nicely together. Despite Mollie’s vocal illness, her characterisation was on point and really strong and I wish her the best recovery for the rest of the run.

Ryan Allen’s choreography was fitting, with some complex routines sprinkled in and there were some nice magic effects provided. Aside from some issues with the sound balance of the band (it was sometimes a little quiet), if you fancy a night of sexual sensations and great songs then get yourself down to the Reddich Palace Theatre this week and ‘Dance with the Devil tonight!’

Review by Andrew Exeter