The Wizard of Oz

One of the staple traditions which marked the Christmases of my youth was The Wizard of Oz. Filmed just as colour became available on celluloid for the first time, it’s creative introduction into the film was as memorable to me as Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Performed by Wells Little Theatre this was every bit as colourful as I remembered but with some wonderful additions. 

Enjoying a second directing debut (yes that is possible, this was her first musical!) was Bobby Bass who brought a fresh, creative approach to the piece, capturing the old magic but with a fresh wand!

Sadly the night we arrived, the M5 had done it’s worst and I can only tell you what was happening from our arrival. We walked in, to a scene that took me straight back to film as the characters escape from the opium of the poppies to the glorious chorus of You’re out of the Woods – sung with great clarity and energy by the chorus on a stunning set. 

The choruses and dancers were stunning throughout this show – the pace never varied or dropped and the energy and joy was on display from beginning to end.

Each of our favourite, well-loved characters had been very well observed, the Scarecrow was delightfully floppy and puppet like, the cowardly lion was full of energy with his pseudo bravado that could come crashing down at any minute and the fabulously steampunk style of the tin man – they made a wonderful and characterful entourage to Dorothy, who was played with great sweetness. Toto was creatively rendered as a puppet – a lovely idea, and well managed by the operator.

The Wicked Witch of the West was, frankly, terrifying  - the actress threw her whole body into the performance, each of her movements creating physical imagery of the original witch but with more character and humour. Her piercing cackle could be heard on every appearance – quite possibly by the neighbouring village!

When the team arrived in the Emerald City, the land the colour and costume in Wonderful World of Oz was, again beautifully presented, so great to see such confident singing and dancing and absolutely fabulous to see the tap shoes in such skilful use as well.  The Ozians were wonderful and the Guard with his cheeky moustache was playfully done and a delight to watch.

I was very much looking forward to seeing whether the jitterbug was going to be included in this show –  it doesn’t always appear. I was not disappointed and it was worth every minute of being sat on the M5 cursing! Colourful, energetic, not a foot out of place, it was a spectacle of life and music – brilliant!

Immediately after the jitterbug, the gang are set upon by the witches monkeys – this scene was very well done, a particularly well delivered line as the scarecrow lay groaning in the aftermath was ‘Oh Scarecrow, that’s you all over’.

Props rarely get mentioned enough in reviews but the team did a wonderful job, creating a particularly memorable crystal ball for the Wicked Witch of the West, paying dividends to her already scary presence as it glittered and changed colour. 

Finally, we got to meet Oz as he really was, not simply the scary animated sculpture and, of course, he is not quite the spectre we have been lead to believe. This was a lovely and fun piece of theatre and, as the Wizard took to the balcony to escort Dorothy home via Hot Air Balloon. The inevitable outcome of dropping the anchor before all are boarded was mitigated as the lovely Glynda enlightened Dorothy as to the power of her ruby slippers to get her home. It would have been nice to bring Glynda forward at this point, as she was rather at the back of the stage.

This original handling of a classic was very well done. The team of Choreographers, Music Director and Director breathed life and creativity into every corner of this show, ably assisted by the artists, costumiers and electrical wizards back stage.  Thank you Wells Little Theatre – what a company!

Katie Jones

NODA 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

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performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

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