HEREFORD Musical Theatre Company continue to push boundaries with their current production, The Witches of Eastwick, a slightly (considerably) more racy musical than we're used to.

But after their stunning production of Avenue Q earlier this year, they've clearly developed a taste for giving audiences something a little different and they've achieved that in some style.

Eastwick is a small Rhode Island town, where not a lot happens, not until a Martini-fuelled get together prompts Jane, Sukie and Alex to give voice to their deepest desires, which magically become a reality when the mysterious Darryl van Horne appears from nowhere to fulfil their fantasies.

Seducing each of the women in turn, scandal scorches its way through the town as van Horne makes his powers felt, but what starts as mischief soon spirals out of control and the three 'witches' wake up to the fact that they've been horribly manipulated and determine that something must be done to stop the devil in his tracks - cue one demonically dramatic comeuppance for Darryl.

A musical with unfamiliar songs presents a challenge, but it's testament to the company (and the script) that Dirty Laundry in particular soon lodged itself firmly in the mind. Energy levels were high on stage as the tale unravelled, with adultery, seduction and sudden death all mixed in to a story that saw the scales drop from the trio's eyes as the penny finally dropped that they didn't need a man and already possessed everything they needed to realise their potential.

Strong performances from all the principals ensured that the show - surprisingly long at just over the three hour mark - zipped along. Name checks must go to Sarah Rowberry, Trudy Connolly and Emily Saunders as Jane, Alexandra and Sukie, with Emily deserving of a special mention for her apparently effortless mastery of Words, Words, Words, a song that must have taken considerable concentration to learn never mind deliver! And Richard Davies as Darryl van Horne embraced his devilish role with evident relish and great panache, while Sam Stokes and Elliott Gooch brought real charm to Michael and Jennifer, with Elliott raising the roof with his transformation from geek to gorgeous (and dance moves to match). Clare Martin channelled the shrill shrewishness of Felicia Gabriel perfectly, complemented by Paul Morris as her hen-pecked husband Clyde, while Charlotte Noble as Little Girl and Andy Wynn-Mackenzie created a pair of great cameos.

As always, the supporting ensemble were in fine voice, and the big numbers, choreographed by Sarah-Jane Matthews, gave them plenty of opportunity to showcase their talents.

The Witches of Eastwick runs until Saturday, November 7 at The Courtyard. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk