Witches - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
September 9th - 13th
REVIEW: Pellow made the devil's own work look easy
The Witches of
Eastwick
Until Saturdayat the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
By Jane Connolly
SCANDAL, saucy antics and one horny little devil abounded at the Marlowe Theatre
last night (Tuesday).
Just as the three would-be witches were anxious for a respite from
claustrophobic small town life, the packed theatre was eagerly awaiting the
arrival of the Devil himself.
Marti Pellow, undeniably the big draw in this show, had a huge weight on his
shoulders as he faced the task of personifying evil while oozing charm from
every pore. With the shadow of Jack Nicholson – who played Darryl van Horne in
the original film - looming over the production, it must have been a daunting
task.
But Pellow threw himself into the role with conviction and pulled off a highly
entertaining performance.
The story concerns three single women living in the serene but prissy New
England town of Eastwick.
All three are looked down upon by the town’s army of buttoned-up housewives, but
are still uptight in their own ways.
Dizzy reporter Sukie (Rebecca Thornhill) dreams of being a ‘proper’ writer but
ironically she can’t find the words, while prudish teacher Jane (Poppy Tierney)
struggles to lose the musical restraint drummed into her by a childhood cello
teacher.
The slightly older Alexandra (Ria Jones) is a failing artist looking for
direction, whose son Michael is enjoying an enviably carefree romance with
Jennifer, the daughter of town tyrant Felicia Gabriel (Rachel Izen).
The three spend an evening conjuring up an image of their ideal man, unwittingly
inviting the Devil to visit.
When the mysterious Darryl van Horne (Pellow) turns up he starts working his
magic not only on the trio, but the entire town.
It is certainly a ripe tale for a musical, allowing for spectacular ensemble
numbers and the more intimate laments of women who simply want to be loved.
There is plenty of comedy as Darryl literally loosens up the townsfolk,
instilling the emasculated men with a sense of devilment and thrilling the
disapproving women.
There is no escaping the fact that The Witches of Eastwick is primarily about
sex and its liberating – and ultimately corrupting – influence.
The show is not explicit but there is certainly plenty of innuendo and raunchy
references, along with a healthy dose of swearing from Darryl, so it’s probably
not suitable for young children.
The three leading ladies gave outstanding performances, with Tierney making good
use of her cello as her character Jane gets to grips with the music.
Rachel Izen made a formidable Felicia, while she and her on-stage husband Clyde
(James Graeme) provided the show’s most genuinely shocking moment.
Pellow made a charismatic and compelling Darryl, though sometimes he failed to
overcome the character’s inherent creepiness and seemed to be channelling Jim
Carrey for much of the show.
But his funny lines and mischievous antics were most entertaining and his voice
was on top form. None of the numbers seemed to give him the chance to really let
rip, but it was a strong performance none the less.
The Witches of Eastwick is at the Marlowe Theatre until Saturday (Sept 13). Call
the box office on 01227 787787 or book online at www.marlowetheatre.com.
POSTED: 10/09/2008 11:30:00
