The Wizard of Oz

This was my first (and I hope not my last) visit to The Little Theatre. What a wonderful venue it is – ‘nestled’ in an ex-military hut, in the middle of Donnington currently celebrating 70 years as a community theatre.

The welcome on arrival was very warm and I was delighted to speak with so many members of the front of house team as well as members of the committee. I was pleased to see the many recent award certificates presented by NODA West Midlands around the foyer with more behind the coffee bar.

Who does not know The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum?  Brought to the cinema by MGM in 1939 (and our television screens each Christmas) with music composed by Harold Alan and Herbert Stothart with lyrics by E Y Harburg.

It was evident the near full auditorium, with a wide age range, anticipated a great afternoon of entertainment for the final performance of this iconic show. The audience could not have been disappointed as from the first chord of the overture this was a wonderful experience. Even the youngest members of the audience seemed to be spellbound by the performance.

As we all know, the show opens on a farm in Kansas (black and white in the film) where Dorothy Gale played by Debra Nimmo (for this performance) lives with Uncle Henry played by Jamie Graham and Aunt Em played by Amy Winshall, who supported Dorothy’s character well.

Debra was every bit the Dorothy we wanted to see and sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ with confidence. Debra remained in character throughout the performance.

Toto was a puppet – when this style of performance is used it often gets a titter from the audience on the first appearance – this was the case on this occasion. However, the puppeteer – Leah Hancox was good and we soon only saw the dog.  

Almira Gulch who was allegedly bitten by Toto was well played by Sue Pointon. The character was most certainly someone not to cross!

Other characters were the farm hands Hunk (Katy Perks), Hickey (George Price), Zeke (Liba Adams) and later in the opening scenes Professor Marvel (Neil Armstrong). All played their parts well.

Over the rainbow we went – most certainly not in Kansas any longer (the use of Technicolor in the film).

We met the well-known characters (all recognisable) and a string of show stopping tunes namely ‘Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead’, ‘Yellow Brick Road’, and of course ‘We’re Off to See The Wizard.’

Lucy Warrilow as Scarecrow and Antony Titley as Tinman both made the most of their parts in both characterisation and musically when seeking either a brain or a heart.

The Cowardly Lion – probably immortalised forever by the great Bert Lahr was superbly played by Stephen Oliver-Davies. His costume was just right. His song, ‘If I were King of the Forest’ was a highlight of the afternoon as he became ever more regal.

Gina Slater was a glorious Glinda the Good Witch of the North while Zoe Hailey was a truly Wicked Witch of the West both having suitable make up and the characteristics expected.   I particularly liked the scene whereby the wicked witch ‘melted’ into the trap door on stage. This was effectively done.

Wizard of Oz was well played by Simon Lloyd-Roberts especially before being exposed and not quite as scary and sinister as first made out. Ian Clarke as the Emerald City Guard made the most of the part.

The choreography was recognisable and not too difficult, so manageable by those who may not confess to be a dancer. More complicated movements worked well for the more accomplished dancers during the storm and the poppy field.

The sets were simple but effective, especially the green doors at the Emerald City with the obligatory opening shutter used by the City Guard and the placing of the out of order bell sign. There was good use of the front of the auditorium and an exit stage right.

Lighting and sound were also effective with good use of projection especially the Wizard when speaking with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Pyrotechnics were equally effectively used.

The band of eight musicians under the leadership of CJ Allen sound good throughout and did not overpower the cast on stage.

A massive thank you to all at The Little Theatre for the welcome. It was great to join the cast and those involved with this super show on stage following the final curtain for a photograph.

I look forward to seeing you all again during the 2025 season kicking off with pantomime – Rapunzel followed by Ladies Day and All Shook Up.

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