From the very first note to the final applause, Epsom Players production of The Witches of Eastwick is an absolute triumph, bursting with energy, wit, and sensational talent. Under the direction and choreography of Paul Madeley, and assistant director Sarah Morrison this production captures the magic and musical brilliance of the West End classic while delivering a wholly unique performance. Paired with Gareth Alber’s musical direction, this show soars beyond expectations, proving once again why Epsom Players is a force to be reckoned with in amateur theatre.
A Bewitching Trio of Leading Ladies
At the heart of the show are the three witches – Bex Wood as Alexandra Spofford, Gemma Kate Bowden as Sukie Rougemont, and Katy Jackson as Jane Smart—whose vocal prowess is nothing short of breathtaking. Their harmonies in “Make Him Mine” and “I Wish I May” are sublime, blending power and emotion effortlessly. A vocal masterclass in storytelling, showcasing their chemistry and individual strengths that will leave you with goosebumps.
Bex Wood’s Alexandra Spofford is nothing short of commanding. She exudes a powerful presence, balancing confidence and vulnerability with effortless grace. Her voice is rich and expressive, particularly during “Eye of the Beholder”, where she conveys Alexandra’s inner turmoil with raw emotion. Her chemistry with her fellow witches is palpable, making their bond feel authentic and deeply moving. Wood’s comedic timing is also exceptional, delivering sharp wit and dry humor that adds a delightful spark to the role.
Gemma Kate Bowden’s portrayal of Sukie Rougemont is endearingly charming, bringing a lovable awkwardness to the role while maintaining a stunning vocal performance. Her ability to transition from shy and reserved to empowered and confident is a joy to watch, particularly in “Words, Words, Words”, where her comedic and vocal talents shine through.
Katy Jackson’s Jane Smart is a revelation. She brings a touch of warmth and elegance to the character, with a voice that soars effortlessly through even the most challenging notes. Her rendition of “Waiting for the Music to Begin” is hauntingly beautiful, capturing Jane’s emotional depth with subtlety and grace. Jackson’s performance is filled with nuance, making Jane’s journey from repressed to liberated utterly compelling.
A Devilishly Delightful Performance
Gareth Thomas delivers an electrifying performance as Darryl Van Horne, the devilish stranger who turns Eastwick upside down. With an undeniable stage presence, Thomas is both charming and sinister, effortlessly manipulating those around him while keeping the audience under his spell. His rendition of “Dance with the Devil” is filled with swagger and an almost hypnotic allure. He balances humor, menace, and seduction in perfect measure, making every moment he is on stage utterly thrilling.
The Gabriel Family: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Melissa Rochowska is sensational as Felicia Gabriel, the self-righteous, uptight moral guardian of Eastwick. She commands the stage with fiery conviction, delivering lines with impeccable comedic timing while maintaining an air of authority. Her performance in “Evil” is outstanding, with powerful vocals that perfectly capture Felicia’s unrelenting nature. Rochowska’s ability to play both the villain and comic relief simultaneously is a testament to her incredible stage presence.
Dan Brickwood as Clyde Gabriel provides a wonderful performance, bringing both humor and heart to the role. As Felicia’s long-suffering husband, he is endearing and relatable, capturing Clyde’s frustrations and devotion with authenticity. His moments of physical comedy are executed flawlessly.
Sophie-Lee Colchester as Jennifer Gabriel is a standout in her own right. She brings youthful energy and an infectious charm to the stage, making Jennifer’s love story with Michael Spofford all the more compelling. Her duet “Something” with Chris Madden is beautifully tender, filled with genuine emotion that resonates with the audience. Colchester’s performance is both heartfelt and engaging, making her an absolute joy to watch.
Chris Madden shines as Alexandra’s son Michael Spofford. Delivering a natural and endearing performance. His chemistry with Colchester’s Jennifer is delightful, and his vocals add a rich texture to the musical numbers. Madden brings a sense of sincerity to Michael, making his character’s journey feel authentic and heartfelt.
In this production of The Witches of Eastwick, Andie Curno’s portrayal of Little One takes on a fresh and unexpected dimension. Rather than embodying the traditional innocence of the original character, director Paul Madeley has crafted a version that is more jarring, an intriguing contrast to the world around them. Curno fully embraces this vision, delivering a performance that is striking, memorable, and layered with an unsettling edge that adds to the show’s atmosphere.
Tyrone Haywood as Fidel is a scene-stealer, infusing the production with humor and charisma. His comedic timing is razor-sharp, and his interactions with Thomas’s Darryl Van Horne are an absolute delight. Haywood’s physical comedy and expressive reactions add an extra layer of fun to the show, making Fidel an audience favorite.
A Show-Stopping Ensemble and Stunning Direction
The ensemble is a whirlwind of talent, seamlessly weaving through the intricate choreography and bringing the town of Eastwick to vibrant life. Paul Madeley & Sarah Morrison’s direction ensures that every moment is brimming with energy and purpose, while Gareth Alber’s musical direction allows every voice to shine, from the soaring solos to the richly layered harmonies and group numbers.
The choreography in this production is nothing short of extraordinary. Paul Madeley has crafted dynamic, engaging, and expressive movement sequences that enhance the storytelling at every turn. From the spellbindingly synchronised ensemble numbers in “Dirty Laundry” to the explosive and alluring choreography of “Dance with the Devil”, every dance is executed with precision and passion. The witches’ movements feel fluid and almost magical, adding an ethereal quality to their scenes, while Darryl Van Horne’s numbers brim with seductive and devilish flair. Madeley has ensured that even the smallest movement carries meaning, allowing the choreography to truly elevate the production into a visual and theatrical spectacle.
The stage crew deserves immense praise for their seamless execution of this production. Under the leadership of Stage Manager Sarah Wood, with Assistant Stage Managers Patrick Alford and Pete Haysom, the set transitions are flawless, ensuring the show maintains its momentum. Richard Pike’s lighting design adds a striking, atmospheric quality, perfectly capturing the mystical and eerie essence of Eastwick. StuSsound’s impeccable sound design ensures that every note and line is crystal clear, creating a fully immersive experience. The dedication and expertise of the backstage team are evident in every aspect of this production.
The cast and creatives of Epsom Players should be incredibly proud of this production. The Witches of Eastwick is a wickedly funny, vocally stunning, and visually captivating production that would not be out of place on a professional stage. The audience left the theatre truly spellbound, and if you haven’t secured your ticket yet, you’re missing out on pure theatrical magic!
The Witches of Eastwick, Running from the 18th – 22nd March 2025 at The Epsom playhouse.
