by Alan Quick

CODS, Crediton’s amateur dramatic society, has been entertaining Crediton audiences this week with its show, “The Witches of Eastwick”.

Performances began at QE Lower School Barnfield campus on Monday, April 4 and run until Saturday, April 9.

Based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Bros. Motion Picture, “Witches” is set in the tiny New England town of Eastwick, Rhode Island.

Three modern day witches innocently plot and conjure over a heady brew of weak Martinis and peanut butter brownies. But when their longings are made flesh in the arrival of one Darryl Van Horne, all hell breaks loose. Quite literally.

Dana Rowe and John Dempsey’s stage musical of the smash hit movie, was originally produced at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Prince of Wales Theatre by Cameron Mackintosh during 2000 and 2001. The show was re-written for a successful UK tour which starred Marti Pellow.

The CODS actors have been facing and overcoming technical issues and a long script, 21 scenes and 16 musical numbers, to bring the performances alive.

As a touching tribute, on the opening night, all the actors wore black ribbons in memory of former member, Hilary Ward, who sadly passed away last month.

The three witches were impressive as was Felicia Gabriel and a number of the other actors shone on stage.

Heather Barlow, director, writing in the programme, said: “The show is full of jokes and larger than life characters.

“It has really allowed CODS members to lose their inhibitions as performers to create some unusual bewitching eccentrics on stage.

“When I first saw ‘Witches’ I thought it was a really fun show and was struck by the immensely devilish Darryl.

“I’m certain the cast will agree we’ve had fun working on it, which was one of my personal objectives as director. I hope you all will get a feel for that fun.”

She admitted it was a step away from the traditional music genre but she was full of praise for the musicians, technical team, cast and all involved.

She added that adult themes had been toned down, but hoped no-one would miss the innuendo and would take it all in good spirit.

Certainly a move away from the traditional for CODS, but one which worked and long may CODS continue.

There are a few tickets remaining for performances which are available from Olivia James in Crediton High Street, or online via: codsonline.com .