Review: WITCHES OF EASTWICK, Old Rep Theatre Birmingham, March 19 2016

Stage musical The Witches of Eastwick was adapted from John Updike's novel of the same name thirteen years after the film was released in 1987- starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. The show opened in London to mixed reviews but since then has been performed internationally. The last time it was seen professionally in this country was on the 2008 UK tour, starring Marti Pellow - a production I was fortunate enough to see.

The Witches of Eastwick tells the story of three women who are tired of their mundane lives and lack of success with men. Between them, they unknowingly conjure up Darryl Van Horne who seduces them and causes controversy in the town of Eastwick, Rhode Island. BOA Musical Theatre are currently performing the show at the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham.

Slatted white flats line the edges of the playing space and make up the entirety of the set with props building up most of the locations. The show has a real 'Desperate Housewives' feel with its picket fences and noisy neighbours involving themselves in each other's business. The setting is always very clear and Shona Robertson's lighting is brilliantly effective in supporting this. Occasionally some extra face light could have been added but many stunning images are created. The uplighting on the flats is particularly striking.

Rian Holloway's direction ensures good stage coverage and smooth transitions between scenes. A lot of attention to detail has been paid to the characterisation of the main protaganists, Darryl and the three female leads: Jane, Sukie and Alexandra. Musical director Michelle King has done amazing work on the musical numbers with slick harmonies throughout. 'Make Him Mine' early on in the show is vocal perfection. The nine-strong band provide a rich, full sound and are well balanced with the on-stage singing. Lee Crowley's choreography could have been slightly tighter in the larger group numbers but it is the subtle nuances throughout the show that ultimately succeed.

Due to the age of the young cast, I was sceptical about whether they could convincingly connect with the overly sexualised nature of much of the production. Apart from a couple of mildly clumsy moments, they performed beyond their years with Harry Sheasby as Darryl particularly confident. He struts cockily around the stage and exercises great comic timing. He has good chemistry with the three women, played superbly by Tammy Mann (Jane), Giorgia Humpage (Sukie) and Bethan Glover (Alexandra). Vocally, they are all faultless. Mann's performance in particular stood out for me. There is a lot of depth to her characterisation and she is entirely believable.

Another noteworthy performance is by Emily Johnson as Felicia. She has a strong authoritative presence and grabs your attention whenever she's on stage. Her rendition of 'Evil' is a great number. Lewis Warren and Leesha Moore are also well-matched sweethearts, Michael and Jennifer. They are somewhat detached from the action until 'Dance With The Devil' in Act Two when they get swept along with Daryll's plan.

A very well-executed production by a talented young cast.

Witches of Eastwick plays at the Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 19th March 2016.

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