The Wizard of Oz

Based on the famous film this stage version of The Wizard of Oz was a good choice for YAU summer show which gave ample opportunity to showcase the up and coming talents within this youth group.

Technically Little Downham Village Hall has its limitations but JR Sound and Lighting certainly made the best of what was available to them. The one set design by Becky Smith and Carol Hebbard worked well throughout with a wonderful balloon rainbow arch over the proscenium.  With a seemingly multitude of impressive costumes and a sparkling backdrop this was a most colourful production.  A big “shout out” to Olha Havrina for the excellent makeup.  The music was sequenced and the cast handled this really well with hardly a blip. 

This young cast, many relatively inexperienced, certainly put their hearts into their performance and were obviously enjoying every minute.  The singing and dancing was very good indeed.  As the cast did not wear body mics projection was important and, although some lines were difficult to hear, in the main everyone spoke clearly and audibly. In the leading role Grace Butcher played Dorothy with confidence, style and energy and sang beautifully. A first-class performance.  She worked extremely well with her three companions in her search for the Wizard.

Amy Jarvis made a super Scarecrow giving a very confident performance.  The Cowardly Lion is always a great hit with the audience and Evie Bennett made her mark in the role.  With great characterisation and stage presence James Wallman as the Tin Man shone, in more ways than one.  All four delivered their songs with confidence giving first-rate performances.  The scary Wicked Witch of the West Tiffany Fuggle was fearsome. This was a ‘suitably evil’ performance of this iconic role.  Ella-Mae Alsop as Glinda the Good Witch made the most of her brief appearances. She looked lovely. Completing the cast of Principals was Dorothy’s dog Toto. No real mutt or stuffed toy for YAU, here Toto was well played by the cute (and I am sure often cuddly) Eva Lee barking and growling in all the right places.

Of course with such a large cast it is not possible to mention everyone but suffice to say each person put in every effort. In fact, with the exception of the principal characters, the remaining fifteen cast members played two or more roles. Stand out cameos though came from Mia Gayfer (Mayor), Macey Arnold (Miss Gulch), Corben Christofides (Guard) and, both making an impact, Eva Proctor as Aunt Em and Findlay Paul as Wizard of Oz/Uncle Henry.  I am sure your Director Becky, Producer Carol and Coaching Team Beverley and Sophie were proud of you all.  

I don’t think it is out of order for me to recognise the obvious involvement and assistance given to the production by the Parents and families of the cast. Many acted as Chaperones and Dressers as well as providing props and organising things front of house.  All these things are so important to ensure the production runs smoothly.

Thank you YAU for inviting me and for an enjoyable evening Over the Rainbow in the Merry Old Land of Oz.

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