29th April 2025
Hairspray
Huddersfield Light Opera Company, Lawrence Batley Theatre
The Wizard of Oz
Author: Christine Castle
Information
- Date
- 29th April 2022
- Society
- Garforth Musical Society
- Venue
- Garforth Welfare Hall
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Erin Ocsko'
- Musical Director
- Joanne Jackson
- Choreographer
- Lynne Hill
- Producer
- Garforth Musical Society
- Written By
- John Morley
After over two years of waiting, the good people of Garforth were once again entertained by a musical show to lift their spirits.
On this great occasion, GMS decided to present 'The Wizard of Oz' as their comeback show. The lapse in production has not diminished their enthusiasm and dedication - in fact, they were clearly delighted to be back at the Welfare Hall and with an eager, full audience to boot !
They had wisely chosen a simplified version of this show - I noted that it was written by John Morley, a well-known Pantomime script writer and this suited the group very well. A bit of audience participation always goes down well !
The Director, Erin Ocsko', must be congratulated on marshalling her cast so well on such a small stage - she made the most of each scene, as the story of Dorothy and her three friends travel through Munchkinland on their way to the Emereld City and kept the action moving along with no gaps. The Musical Director was Joanne Jackson, who had rehearsed her cast very well using backing tracks - no easy task, also the Percussionist, Ben Stone, who did a grand job.
The cast comprised a pretty Dorothy (Eleanor Rogers), who had clear diction and an attractive voice - The Scarecrow (Richard Sharp), The Tin Man (Neil Duff) and The Lion (Val Johnson), gave excellent characterisations and all worked well together. The Wicked Witch of the West (Elaine McAlse), was suitably horrid and worked well with the audience - The Mayoress of Munchkinland (Barbara Hawksworth), The Nice Witch of the North (Jane Archdale), The Green Guardian of the Gate (Joanne Jackson, Glinda, Super Witch of the South (Rebecca Haigh) and The Wizard (Graham Oxtoby) - all gave good performances. The remaining ensemble and dancers all added to an excellent mix,
Backstage workers all added to make this a successful show and as always, the Front of House staff were welcoming and friendly. I see in the programme notes that GMS celebrate their 75 musical years this year - congratulations for this and for keeping entertainment 'live' in Garforth !
Well done to you all !!
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