The Wizard of Oz

Anyone of a certain age who lived in the UK through the late 70s and 80s will remember the regular Christmas Tradition of the Queen’s speech followed either by The Sound of Music or the Wizard of Oz – both wildly colourful and utterly loved seasonal treats. I still love this show and was really interested to see that a number of Ozian pantos emerged this season. As such a treasured and iconic memory, I was keen to see what Chardstock Amateur Dramatic Society would do with it.  I was not disappointed. 

As I arrived into the venue, there was a real buzz of anticipation – one that demonstrates the place this group has in the heart of it’s community. 

The stage was deliciously colourful with an array of flowers growing among the footlights. There was also a yellow brick road which you stepped onto as you walked into the seating area.

The tickly business of a tornado was smartly dispatched by use of a radio broadcast and the show burst to life in Oz with an energetic rendition by the chorus of Mr Blue Sky – inspired!

Early on we are informed this won’t be your average Wizard of Oz as we are introduced to a number of new characters such as Ug and Lee – a comedy duo of ladies with fabulous comic timing who sparked effortlessly off one another. We also meet Prince Smarmy a comic take on the Principal boy role as she spends much of the first half of the show hunting for a princess. 

Dorothy is accompanied by Auntie Em, the Dame, a well – seasoned and charismatic performance. Dorothy herself was a lovely, sassy version of the character joined by the delicate Scarecrow, a lovely young actor with a pretty singing voice and the very well performed and humorous tin man. When actors are confident on stage, you can relax. When they are relaxed and clearly thoroughly enjoying being on stage – the mood is infectious and bewitching. 

Speaking of which, the Wicked Witch of the West was a delicious portrayal of an iconic character - she really owned and indeed stole the show with her witty performance – not a foot out of place. 

A special note should really go to the director, so many great ideas and elegant solutions for the show – I particularly enjoyed the Wizard of Oz himself, who, until unveiled, revealed himself as, essentially, a muppet! It was hilarious and ingenious. 

The chorus of villagers and children were full of life and colour and sang and danced beautifully –  a great chorus can make a show and this team were no exception, I particularly enjoyed Ease on Down the Road, all led by the Dame as they danced past the audience. 

The vocals in the show were thoroughly enjoyable, Princess Porcelain sang beautifully but a particular bouquet should be thrown to the very funny and talented Cowardly Lion for Something Inside So Strong – a powerful voice executed with sensitivity and musicality – a real jewel in the show. 

In all, a great night, great music, great set and costumes and a really entertaining show – great job, guys!!!

 

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.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other

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

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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