THE WIZARD OF OZ

This was a superb family pantomime.  The Town Hall was filled to capacity with many excited children in their seats  well before curtain up.   As the panto began we were treated to a most colourful and interesting set.   The attractive costumes were also imaginative and brightly coloured.  This panto had the WOW factor almost before it began.  

The panto was directed with really  good pace, with never a moment of empty stage or waiting for the next scene. The young, well trained chorus played Munchkins, Emerald City Citizens , Spooks, Farm Workers, Witch's Guards, Crows and  Poppies.  They had  good stage discipline, and complete commitment to the panto,  also oodles of energy.  They had learnt their songs and dances well and acted with confidence.  The actor playing Dorothy is 12 years old  and  Harry 13.  Two very talented young ladies.  Each of them sang a solo with beautiful  clear voices and excellent diction.   Dorothy sang  Eva Cassidy's  'Over the Rainbow' and it was a joy to hear.   The Wizard and Guard were also impressively played by confident young people and again with good stage presence.  

 The adults playing the Scarecrow, Lion, Tin man,  Wicked Witch and  Glinda are very experienced actors with excellent stage presence.  They were completely  in character and drew the audience into the story.    Auntie Em was played by a pantomime dame who knows his craft well.    Very funny  but never overdone.  The two  monkeys, were great fun and  had fabulous rapport with the audience .  When it came to the audience participation song the stage was filled with children from the audience.    The two witches sang to cover a scene change and it was beautifully done. 

It was impressive to see the mix of young talent and experienced actors working together to produce such a fine result.  Also impressive was that even in a hall crowded with an enthusiastic audience it was still easy to hear every word that was sung or said.  The singing was good and sympathetically accompanied by the MD/pianist, guitar and drums.  Lighting and sound were just right for the panto.  

Congratulations - everything came together to produce a wonderful pantomime experience.

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