LEIGH Operatic Society is hoping to cast a spell over audiences with its next production.

The group is going all-out with its latest offering, a version of West End musical The Witches of Eastwick.

Being staged from Tuesday May 6 to Saturday May 10, it marks the society's return to the Palace Theatre, Westcliff. The first time they have performed there since it re-opened in 2006.

To celebrate the occasion, the society was determined to come back with a show to remember.

"We wanted a show that was going to be a lot grander and a lot bigger than anything we've done to date," says group member Andrew Seal.

"We're spending a lot more money than usual, so it's a huge risk, but as a society we pride ourselves on trying new things," he continues. "We were one of the first amateur groups to perform Sweeney Todd and we premiered Summer Holiday in this region. We've taken a few risks, but they always seem to pay off for us."

Witches of Eastwick The musical, based on the film starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher, was first brought to life on the West End stage by Cameron Macintosh in 2000.

The story stays true to the film following three desperate housewives in mid-town America who wish for the man of their dreams. With the arrival of Darryl Van Horne, they soon realise they're getting far more than they bargained for and all hell breaks loose - quite literally.

The society is one of only a handful of groups in the country licensed to produce the show ahead of its professional tour later this year, when Marti Pellow will take on the lead role.

Amongst the biggest challenges of producing the show, is re-creating all the special effects including the flying witches.

"We wanted to go back to the Palace with a bang, and that's hopefully what we'll do," says Andrew.

He also hopes that by tackling a modern musical, it will bring in a whole new audience to see the show.

"We're trying to get some new crowds in," he says. "West End shows at the moment are a lot more modern and funky. What we're trying to do is to get away from the amateur style of theatre and try and blur that line a bit."

Performances take place nightly at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets cost from £10 to £14.

  • The Witches of Eastwick, Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, Tuesday May 6 to Saturday May 10, various times, 01702 351135.