The Witches of Eastwick

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The Witches of Eastwick: A West End Magical Marvel

"The Witches of Eastwick" premiered in London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on July 18, 2000, following previews from June 24, and ran until October 27, 2001, totaling over 400 performances. Adapted from John Updike’s 1984 novel and the 1987 film, this musical boasts music by Dana P. Rowe, lyrics and book by John Dempsey, and direction by Eric Schaeffer. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, it transferred to the Prince of Wales Theatre in March 2001. Starring Ian McShane as Darryl Van Horne, with Maria Friedman, Lucie Arnaz, and Joanna Riding as the titular witches, it returned as a one-night concert at the Sondheim Theatre on June 20, 2022, directed by Friedman. A tale of small-town sorcery and devilish charm, it remains a bewitching chapter in West End history.

A Devilish Dance in Eastwick

Set in the fictional Rhode Island town of Eastwick, the story follows three women Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont bored with their mundane lives and domineered by gossip queen Felicia Gabriel. Wishing for “all manner of man in one man,” they conjure Darryl Van Horne, a charismatic stranger who awakens their latent powers. As Darryl seduces each, teaching them witchcraft, their antics scandalize the town. When their magic turns deadly killing Felicia and her husband Clyde the trio shuns Darryl. He retaliates by wooing Felicia’s daughter Jennifer, but the witches unite their powers to banish him, reclaiming their lives in a climax of empowerment and chaos.

A Score That Casts a Spell

Dana P. Rowe’s music, paired with John Dempsey’s lyrics, weaves a darkly comic tapestry, featuring “Make Him Mine,” “Dirty Laundry,” “Dance With the Devil,” and “I Wish I May.” The original production, musically directed by Henry Lewis, showcased a robust score, later refined for the Prince of Wales with “The Glory of Me” replacing “Who’s the Man?” The 2022 concert, conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo, revived cuts like “A Little Town” and “Eye of the Beholder,” with Friedman and Carrie Hope Fletcher’s encore of “Loose Ends” stealing the night. Though not a chart-topping catalog, the music’s wit and theatricality earned a 2000 cast recording and enduring fan love.

A Cast of Enchanting Talents

Ian McShane led the 2000 cast as Darryl Van Horne, his devilish swagger a standout, alongside Lucie Arnaz as Alexandra, Joanna Riding as Jane, and Maria Friedman as Sukie. Rosemary Ashe’s Felicia and Stephen Tate’s Clyde added bite, with Caroline Sheen as Jennifer. The 2022 concert featured Giles Terera as Darryl, with Natasha J. Barnes, Carrie Hope Fletcher, and Laura Pitt-Pulford as the witches, plus Claire Moore as Felicia. Directed by Friedman with Stephen Mear’s staging, both casts from Earl Carpenter’s understudy turns to Alfie Friedman’s 2022 Michael brought Eastwick’s magic to life, blending star power with ensemble verve.

A Bewitching West End Legacy

From its 400-plus Drury Lane run to its Prince of Wales stint, "The Witches of Eastwick" faced a tough 2001 season, closing earlier than hoped due to post-9/11 tourism dips, as Mackintosh noted. Its 2022 Sondheim concert, a sold-out triumph, marked its first West End return in over 20 years, hinting at revival potential. Tours hit the UK in 2008-2009, and amateur rights, re-released by MTI in 2023, keep it alive globally from Australia’s 2005 premiere to Poland’s Syrena Theatre run since 2018. As of March 2025, its blend of comedy, fantasy, and female empowerment ensures it remains a spellbinding West End memory.