The Wizard of Oz

To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Director and founder member Alexandra Berriman chose The Wizard of Oz for their Summer Production. She told me that she had always wanted to produce this show, with the calibre and hard work of the team, her choice was proved right. This was a very special and happy show.

Although the venue was beset with problems Alex and her team worked incredibly hard to produce this show. The members of KYDS prove each year, just how much talent Tiptree has and I’m always amazed at the amount of work that goes into their productions.  All of their brilliant, colourful costumes, made by the members; the sets made by the crew and parents, coupled with the backstage help, go to make their shows incredibly magical. A special mention must go to the yellow brick road, made by the members, running the whole length of the auditorium aisle, every yellow brick, hand laid to the foam base. I understand it took many hours to complete!

Everyone knows the story of The Wizard of Oz. Who cannot say that they have never seen the famous film with Judy Garland as Dorothy?   The familiar line up of the leading characters was all well executed by the talented cast.  Grace Robards was a confident Dorothy, with a lovely clear singing voice, who held the stage well capturing the innocence and assuredness of the character perfectly. Her singing of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ was just delightful. She had the most adorable Toto (Ginger Biscuit Bookaboo Hens) who stole the show with his sad little face.

Charlie Warner, with his wonderful floppy flexible frame and huge smile gave us a super Scarecrow. He has a lovely voice and was a joy to watch as he stuffed the straw constantly into his shirt. I have watched Charlie grow as an actor over the years and he has really come into his own.

Beau Hens as Tinman, was really endearing. How he kept cool in the intense heat of the hottest day of the year in his super tin costume I don’t know but he gave us a confident bright performance.

Tom Hennessey as the Cowardly Lion was superb. What a great performance from this young man. Full of confidence and energy Tom came alive on stage, conveying humour, cowardice and pathos. He certainly was one of the actors who stole the show and I look forward to seeing him do more for KYDS.

Daisy Loerns as Auntie Em and Glinda the Good Witch was lovely. Good characterisation and warmth in each role while looking pretty as a picture as Glinda with her special bubble wand, which was very effective on the stage.

Lola Emson as the unpleasant Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West was suitably evil, keeping up her American accent throughout, as did the entire cast. Good costumes and wonderful green makeup, her melting scene was cleverly orchestrated.

Lots of good smaller but essential roles from all the cast – too many to mention but Matthew Greed as Uncle Henry/Guard and Olly Smith as the Professor and the Wizard of Oz gave us confident performances.

The choreography by Amy Hart was good with excellent dance scenes.. I loved the crows, jitterbugs and the trees.  The Munchkins, farmhands, monkeys, Winkies, poppies, generals and villagers were all enthusiastic obviously enjoying every minute of the show.

The set was fairly basic but Auntie Ems house, the Emerald City sparkly green doors and the huge scary wizard face were very well done. Props were good, especially the little house on the fishing line when the twister came.  Again I must congratulate the wardrobe department for the super costumes.

The ten piece orchestra ably led by Musical Director Leah Cave produced an excellent sound although sometimes a little loud but luckily the leads all had mikes so we were able to hear all the songs really well.

Lighting and Sound were well done although I would have liked a little more lighting cover during some scenes but I did understand how little time they have to get this right. Overall, this was a very visually pleasing, well-acted and effectively staged youth musical. My thanks go to Marcus Churchill, for looking after us during the show and for his super programme which was very informative and colourful.

I congratulate everyone involved as I know just how much hard work went into this production.  Well done and I look forward to coming to your pantomime at the end of this year.

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