UK Theatre Network

In its final dates of this first UK national tour, Witches of Eastwick beguiled the Glasgow audience, who happily fell under the spell!

Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet fame takes on the demanding role of Darryl Van Horne (created by Jack Nicholson in the 1987 movie) in this musical adaptation of the raunchy 1980s novel.  So, getting to the point, … is Mr. Pellow any good?  He handled the charisma required for Billy Flynn in Chicago and he’s clearly a natural showman but can he really pull off the transformation from Clydebank Soul Singer to Devilish Soul Reaper?  The answer is a resounding “YES” (with deep, booming sound effects - and just a little reverb).  This was a major step up from Mr. Pellow’s previous theatrical roles and he more than met the challenge.  Never dropping character for a second he delivered mile-a-minute dialog with aplomb, leaping from smooth confidence to jittery unease in a schizophrenic heartbeat.  Combined with a physical delivery reminiscent of Jim Carrey, his performance was irresistible.  Marti Pellow may have been cast out from the world of pop, but he reigns supreme in this role.

Co-stars Ria Jones, Rebecca Thornhill and Poppy Tierney as witches Alexandra, Sukie and Jane delivered their character transformations brilliantly with vocal talents to match.  The principals were supported by a talented ensemble cast featuring a suitably tortured performance from Rachel Izen as community nay-sayer, Felicia Gabriel.

The show is quite traditional in style featuring a chorus opening, character development through song and a traditional walk-down finale (rather than a more ‘modern’ all-singing “megamix”).  But the content is very contemporary with some fairly graphic seduction scenes, some cheeky nudity and plenty of underworld language – not for the faint of heart!  Presentation was superb with beautifully stylised sets, dynamic lighting and well executed flying!  Musical Director, Tom Deering, earned his spotlight with a very animated performance!

LISTINGS INFO:

Kings Theatre Glasgow

Tue 28 April – Sat 9 May

Mon – Thu eves 7.30pm

Wed 29 April mat 2.30pm

Fri 5pm and 8.30pm

Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Tickets: £12 - £36

Box Office 0870 060 6648 (Bkg)

www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg)