Review - The Witches of Eastwick

One of the first things that stood out was the set design (Abbie Wells). The production team transformed the stage into a dynamic and visually engaging space. Every scene felt carefully considered, with creative set pieces helping to establish the show's magical atmosphere. Particular praise must go to whoever created the iconic two-dimensional moon, which became an unexpected highlight of the evening. It perfectly captured the playful nature of the production and demonstrated the creativity that was evident throughout.

The three witches at the centre of the story formed a strong and engaging trio, each bringing something different to their role while maintaining excellent chemistry throughout. 

Their performances (Maisie James, Ailis McConachie-Smith, Lulu Dodds) anchored the production and ensured that the emotional moments landed just as effectively as the comedic ones. The cast as a whole worked exceptionally well together, creating a believable community that helped make Eastwick feel like a real place rather than simply a backdrop for the action. The ensemble also deserves significant recognition. Far from remaining in the background, they helped create the energy and atmosphere that drove the production forward. Whether in large musical numbers or smaller moments, their commitment was evident throughout and added depth to every scene. 

Amongst the many strong performances, Maisie Donohue delivered some of the evening's biggest laughs. Her physical comedy was particularly impressive, especially during a memorable sequence in which the witches cast a spell that caused her character to repeatedly produce increasingly bizarre objects from her mouth. The scene could easily have become repetitive, but Donohue's commitment, timing and reactions kept the audience laughing throughout and turned it into one of the standout moments of the show. The Gabriel family were another notable highlight. 

Their performances brought warmth and personality to the stage, showcasing the depth of talent across the cast and contributing to some of the production's strongest moments.

Of course, the role of Darryl Van Horne is central to the success of any production of The Witches of Eastwick and here the casting of Sam Garratt felt spot on. The character requires a performer capable of balancing charisma, confidence and theatrical excess and this portrayal captured all three. Every entrance commanded attention and the performance brought exactly the larger-than-life energy that the role demands. One pleasant surprise was the quality of the American accents across the cast. Accents can often be one of the more challenging aspects of student theatre, but here they were consistently convincing and allowed the audience to remain immersed in the story without distraction.

The musical elements of the production were equally strong. The live band (directed by Patrick Owen) provided an excellent accompaniment throughout the evening, bringing energy and richness to the score while never overpowering the performers on stage. Their contribution elevated the production significantly and helped maintain momentum throughout. While the performers rightly received much of the applause, this production was also a testament to the dedication of the backstage teams. From set construction and props to technical operation and scene transitions, there was a clear sense that an enormous amount of time, care and effort had gone into bringing the production together. Their work allowed the magic of Eastwick to feel effortless, even when the logistics behind it were undoubtedly complex.

What made the production particularly enjoyable was its sense of confidence. 

The humour landed consistently, the cast fully committed to the show's more absurd moments and there was a genuine sense that everyone involved understood exactly what kind of story they were telling. The result was a production that never took itself too seriously while still delivering strong performances and impressive technical work.

Overall, The Witches of Eastwick was a thoroughly entertaining evening and another impressive achievement for Oswald’s Players. From the talented cast and excellent live band to the imaginative set design and dedicated backstage team, the production demonstrated the very best of student theatre. Funny, ambitious and full of personality, it was a fitting showcase of the talent that continues to thrive within the society. ●

• The Witches of Eastwick played 13th-14th June 2026 at the Mount Oswald Hub, Durham. Produced by: Oswald's Players Theatre Company (@oswaldsplayers), in association with Durham Student Theatre (@studenttheatre), South College JCR (@southcollegejcr), and Music Theatre International (www.mtishows.co.uk).