Review: The Witches of Eastwick, Newcastle Theatre Royal

Apr 24 2008 by Chris Haines, The Journal

MOVE over Jack Nicholas, Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer – an amateur production of The Witches of Eastwick knocks socks of your film.

Staged at the Theatre Royal, the show is the story of three unhappy divorcees: Alexandra, Jane and Sukie.

The opening scene takes the audience back in time to 1960s Eastwick – a small town in New England. The well-dressed cast then explain in song what the town of theirs is like.

One stormy night, the three feisty witches are sitting around dreaming up their perfect man over a few Martinis.

Their lives are turned upside down when the devilish Darryl Van Horne turns up and is intent on seducing the girls one by one.

The show – which cost more than £90,000 to produce – is genuinely likable and witty.

It is full of drama, comedy and great music including classic songs like Make Him Mine, Dance with the Devil and Dirty Laundry.

The witches played by Katy Bowler, Francesca Rose-Toup and Shireen Hamlani put in fantastic vocal performances.

A particular highlight of the show being Katy Bowler’s rendition of a tricky number, Words Word, Words.

Special mention must go to Keith Wigham who put in a performance full of charisma.

Produced by the West End Operatic Society to celebrate their 60th anniversary the show is making its North-East premiere.

The Witches of Eastwick will be showing at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday, April 26 and tickets cost between £6 and £19.

To book, call the box office on 0870 905 5060.