The Wizard of Oz

It is good to know that Christmas is coming up as the pantomime season has now started and you can’t beat a good pantomime to get things started. This classic story has been turned into a pantomime by Jamie Jones. The excellent end product tells the story through typical pantomime characters, quick fire jokes and a well-crafted script.

If anyone was born to play a panto role then it must be Chris Flint (Scarecrow). He gave us a masterclass of working an audience and comedy timing. He was ably assisted by Finnan Hinton (Tin Man) and Rebecca Louise Cox (Cowardly Lion). After they met up with the delightful Becky Cartwright (Dorothy) then their adventures started. They all sang, danced and acted as a team but also demonstrated their considerable individual talents. Becky also carried on with her songs and dialogue whilst, at the same time, looking after the lovely dog ‘Toto’.

A pantomime needs someone to watch over the ‘heroes’ and someone who tries to disrupt what they are trying to do. Lauren Barry (Glinda the Good Witch) delivered all her lines in traditional rhyme whilst keeping us up to date with progress. Julie Hunter (Wicked Witch of the West) was suitably malevolent and has a superb voice for the role. There was strong support from Brian Washington (Uncle Henry), Helen Collins (Auntie Em), Linda Askew (Miss Gulch), Jonathan Edwards (The Wizard of Oz), Sarah Heathcote (Boris the Monkey) and Lisa Blakeley and Michelle Beere as Winkie Guards. They were all supported by a very good ensemble including some delightful youngsters. The singing by principals and ensemble was strong and confident throughout. The choreography was slick and well executed by the cast.

I was very impressed by the use of a turntable to change the scenes and this, together with good lighting and sound, made for a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Congratulations to everyone involved!  

 

 

 

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