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The Witches Of Eastwick

A musical version of The Witches Of Eastwick, which tells the story of Daryl Van Horne and his seduction of three women in mid-town America, runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, 6 September, 2008.

The show, based on the novel by John Updike, stars Wet Wet Wet front-man Marti Pellow in the title role of Van Horne (Jack Nicholson in the film version).

"I liked the idea of how mischievous the part is, the great sensuality in it – I just love the excitement of it all. I get to seduce three beautiful ladies every night – and it's moments like that you've just got to tap into the Dunkirk spirit and soldier on," said Marti Pellow speaking to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Norfolk.

"I love the songs and the excitement of the arrangements and how they make me feel. That's a very familiar surrounding to me," he added.

Magical Norwich

Tempting The Witches Of Eastwick with the magic of the Norwich Theatre Royal was the venue's chief conjuror, executive Peter Wilson.

He's delighted the production team have recognised the passion Norfolk has for the theatre by deciding to kick-off the show's national tour in the county and is hoping The Witches Of Eastwick will begin a trend of even more shows opening in Norwich.

Peter Wilson in theatre's new auditorium

"We should be doing more of these premieres. There’s no reason why this theatre shouldn't be taking big shows on their way into the West End or at the start of lucrative tours," he said.

"This is exactly what we should be doing. We're closer to London than the theatres that do it traditionally. We've got fantastic crew and facilities - and a much nicer county and city for the stars to come too," he added.

Talented crew

The talent of the theatre's crew played an important part in the decision of Witches' producer Kenny Wax to open the show in Norwich.

"The Theatre Royal is, quite simply, one of the best regional theatres in the country following the refurbishment - however the most important factor when it came to making a decision about where to open the production was the Theatre Royal's very experienced team," he said.

"Mounting a new production is an incredibly complex and demanding process and the local theatre staff play a really important part in ensuring the overall success of the show.

"Aspects Of Love ,which I also produced, was the first musical to play the Theatre Royal following the refurbishment and it's a real pleasure to be returning some nine months on with The Witches Of Eastwick," he added.

Support of the fans

For leading man Marti Pellow, he's delighted to have been given the support of his fans to explore the world of musical theatre in addition to his pop career.

Marti Pellow as Daryl Van Horne

"I think this has really captured peoples imagination to see me in the roll, it's a night of great entertainment," he said.

"I think it's about being afforded the luxury to have an eclectic career and to have a fan-base that will come along and see me trying different genres of music and diversifyingÌýas an artist.

"The tour lasts the best part of nine months – I'm looking forward to that challenge of making every day a different day, where we're growing in the parts and in the piece. It's about having an enthusiasm and a passion for what we do," he added.

The Witches Of Eastwick runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, 6 September, 2008.

The national tour continues until early summer 2009.