The Wizard of Oz

 The Wizard of Oz performed by BYG was outstanding to say the least, it had pace and confidence from beginning to end.

Jordan Buckingham the Director, with the MD Dom Carter and Choreographer Lauren Tithecott are to be heartily congratulated on a job very well done.

The costumes were outstanding and full of colour that is essential for such a show. The scenery was simple and clever, aided by good props used with great effect and some clever lighting. Special mention of the giant “Wizard” face with the glowing eyes.

The cast were superb. The principals got their characters just right, not one weak link! with great backing from the chorus.

The songs were sung well with confidence and vim! This was a truly impressive production and the audience lapped it up!

 Dorothy (Erin Sawyer) got the character to a T, aided and abetted by a very biddable and docile Toto(Amos) who seemed to relish the limelight, not minding a bit being handed around from one character to another and who was on the stage for much longer than I have ever seen a “Toto” manage before! Maybe it was the skilful distribution of titbits at strategic points Dorothy sang beautifully and was the epitome of the character that so many have loved over the generations.

 

Ben Davis as Scarecrow was excellent, along with Tinman (Freddie Harvey) and Cowardly Lion (Trevor Searle) their characterisations were faultless, along with their individual songs…superb!

 Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West played by Scarlett Rolls not only looked just right (with makeup and mask of course) but almost stole the show with her interpretation of the Witch (evil personified) together with great movement and a laugh to die for! An excellent performance.

Her opposite number Glinda, Good Witch of the North looked great with sparkly makeup and a fairy tale dress. Emily Edwards brought some of her own interpretation to this role adding a bit of spice to the Oh So Sugary character that worked really well.

Professor Marvel /Wizard of Oz (Conor Holland) got it just right, playing this mature role sympathetically and with aplomb.

Emerald City Guard (Caleb Presley) gave a super cameo performance, smiling all the way, a great part to play and he made it his own!

Aunt Em ((Naliah Ruhleman) came over well, understated and just right, I was particularly impressed with Patrick Clifton as Uncle Henry, his portrayal showed maturity beyond his years, excellent!

There were several scenes that shone, but I must mention the Munchkins, this scene was magical and set the tone for the rest of the show. this along with the Jitterbug, Poppy Field and Winkies scenes showed the work that had gone in by the Choreographer.

There did not appear to be a visible yellow brick road but never mind, they all followed it anyway. This was a super show performed by some very talented and enthusiastic young people. What a future for amateur theatre, if they all keep performing.

It did you very great credit BYG …I cannot wait to see your next show. Bring it on!

Graham Liverton Councillor NODA Southwest

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