NCG makes magic theatre comeback -Theatre Royal Nelson

Nelson College for Girls is breaking an eight-year production hiatus with a spell-binding musical with a message.

The Witches of Eastwick will be taking to the Theatre Royal stage for five shows only from 29 May until 1 June.

Based on the 1984 novel and subsequent 1987 film, The Witches of Eastwick is about three small-town friends (Alexandra, Jane and Sukie) who have each lost the man in their lives.

The stealthy Daryl Van Horne soon arrives on the scene and begins courting each of them, telling them that they are witches.

But as the friends spend more time at Daryl’s mansion learning about their powers, they begin to worry about his intentions.

It’s the first time the musical has been staged in Nelson and director Konstantina Tsina says it was a fitting choice for their come-back.

“We wanted something with strong female roles, and we wanted it to be funny as well as have a message. It’s a musical that pokes fun at gender stereotypes.”

The cast of 52 also includes eight students from Nelson College, and many will also be bringing their experience from the Nelson Youth Theatre Company to the stage.

Konstantina says there were various reasons for the school’s eight-year break from staging a musical.

“Staff changes as well as the school being really involved in The Big Sing meant that we didn’t have the time or energy to put into a musical. But we are excited to be back into it,” she says.

“We’ve been working on it since term one and they have all been so committed. We’ve got a wealth of talent at the school.”

The Witches of Eastwick is on at the Theatre Royal from 29 May – 1 June. Tickets are available from TicketDirect or the Theatre Royal box office.

Credit: Kate Russell  , Nelson Weekly