It has been a fair old while since I have been to see a musical where I have only a small inkling of the plot and no knowledge of the music and songs. However last night was one of those nights as I saw the Little Theatre Company's production of The Witches of Eastwick at The Palace Theatre, Southend.
Without any previously seen versions to compare with, I went in with a clean slate and I have to say that if I see this production again, whichever group I see next have got a lot to live up to as the Little Theatre Company certainly set the standard bar very high.
The lighting of the different scenes and use of sound effects was very atmospheric at times and added to the drama which unfolded on stage. The change of scenes, usually accompanied by a short, amusing skit by Laura Harper as Little Girl, flowed quite well, although the sounds of the scenery being moved occasionally was a distraction.
The three lead females: Lianne Larthe as Alexandra Spofford, Claire Wilson as Jane Smart and Louisa Stratchan as Sukie Rougemont gave - and I do not use this word often or lightly, flawless performances. The songs Make Him Mine and I Wish I May being outstanding moments for me. The casting of Tim Cater as Darryl Van Horne was inspired. His portrayal of the 'handsome as the devil, yet perfectly divine' Darryl was rich with evilness, overt sexuality and, in the end, despair.
The rest of the cast also gave outstanding performances in their acting, singing - Dirty Laundry being a particular favourite of mine - as well as the impressive dance routines.
I was especially impressed with the Nemo's Diner scene and song which was a scene dominated by the male members of the cast - something not often seen in amateur productions due to the usual lack of men. Despite the small number, 10 in a cast of 32, this number had as much power and watchability as the rest of the show.
Overall, The Witches of Eastwick was a 'hell of a show' which I thoroughly enjoyed watching. I will be interested to see their next production, Sunset Boulevard, in April next year.
Without any previously seen versions to compare with, I went in with a clean slate and I have to say that if I see this production again, whichever group I see next have got a lot to live up to as the Little Theatre Company certainly set the standard bar very high.
The lighting of the different scenes and use of sound effects was very atmospheric at times and added to the drama which unfolded on stage. The change of scenes, usually accompanied by a short, amusing skit by Laura Harper as Little Girl, flowed quite well, although the sounds of the scenery being moved occasionally was a distraction.
The three lead females: Lianne Larthe as Alexandra Spofford, Claire Wilson as Jane Smart and Louisa Stratchan as Sukie Rougemont gave - and I do not use this word often or lightly, flawless performances. The songs Make Him Mine and I Wish I May being outstanding moments for me. The casting of Tim Cater as Darryl Van Horne was inspired. His portrayal of the 'handsome as the devil, yet perfectly divine' Darryl was rich with evilness, overt sexuality and, in the end, despair.
The rest of the cast also gave outstanding performances in their acting, singing - Dirty Laundry being a particular favourite of mine - as well as the impressive dance routines.
I was especially impressed with the Nemo's Diner scene and song which was a scene dominated by the male members of the cast - something not often seen in amateur productions due to the usual lack of men. Despite the small number, 10 in a cast of 32, this number had as much power and watchability as the rest of the show.
Overall, The Witches of Eastwick was a 'hell of a show' which I thoroughly enjoyed watching. I will be interested to see their next production, Sunset Boulevard, in April next year.