The Wizard of Oz

Due to the various lockdowns, it is a while since I’ve seen a show at Ponteland. It was a pleasure to revisit The Memorial Hall, particularly for what was primarily a showcase for the Society’s Youth Section, The Preppies, with just a few token adults!. As most of us know, the story opens with an introduction to all the characters who will take us on our journey along that yellow brick road. Caroline (like Cheryl, no surname) as Auntie Em was in good voice and together with Jason Long as Uncle Henry, they were Dorothy’s slightly strict guardians. Jason popped up later as the Guard of the Emerald City. The part of Dorothy herself was in the very capable hands of Bryony, who was soon telling us, in song, of her dreams “Over the Rainbow”.

Jack Stuart, as farmhand Joe who later becomes the Scarecrow, gave us some impressive vocals and some good stage movement/dance.  He was touching in his vocal plea "If I Only Had a Brain" and worked well with Matthew Hunter as Zeke, who becomes the Cowardly Lion.  He, too, exhibited pleasing vocal ability and stagecraft.  "If I Only Had the Nerve" was amusingly performed , as were his displays of cowardice!  Two teenagers, they managed to create something of an unintended double act and, together with Sarah Blythe as the Tin Man ("If I Only Had a Heart"), provided a fine trio of friends to accompany Dorothy on her adventures.

Claire Long was just perfect as The Wicked Witch of the West and her alter ego, the odious Miss Gulch. As the Witch she was almost a pantomime villain, earning herself a few boos along the way, which she brushed off with alacrity and a swish of her long skirts. Miss Gulch it was, of course, who caused Dorothy to run away. As the diametrically opposite character, Jules Stevenson Warrender was a pretty and wholesome Good Witch of the North (or Glinda),who popped up at advantageous moments, to guide our four heroes..

I have a few favourite bits eg. the scene when our heroes encounter the Guard of the Emerald City, which I thought was a hoot and any scenes involving Scarecrow and Lion, particularly together. Adam Shaw was larger than life as Professor Marvel and , later, the version of Oz who appears behind the veil. Oz, ultimately, transmogrified into a young lady called Lucy who struggled on gamely (and audibly) when her microphone failed her.

The whole ensemble worked well together. There were two teams of young people who featured at different performances.  I saw "Team Wizard" and Rowan as Nikko, the leader of the flying monkeys.. The cast was a mixture of young people aged from 7 to 16 (with that worthy smattering of adults) and each of them seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, as did the audience who joined in whenever possible. Well done.

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