The Wizard of Oz

It was, as always a pleasure to come and see CTC’s latest production of The Wizard of Oz and we were also able to  welcome, on behalf of NODA, Graham Livermore, our National President and his wife.  He thoroughly enjoyed the show and afterwards when he came to meet and address the cast, he was full of praise for the Production.   

This show featured a cast of 45 of the senior members of CTC along with some mini Munchkins. The title role of Dorothy, was played by Francesca Ratcliffe, with that iconic look and characterisation first created by Judy Garland. She was impressive and gave an extremely confident performance the minute she walked onto the stage and captivated us all with her singing of those much loved songs that we all know so well. Accompanying her was her faithful dog Toto. This four legged, external rod puppet was skilfully brought to life by Penelope Hutchinson.  Toto was on stage during practically the whole performance and was continually acting and reacting to the other characters. Well done to Penelope and Toto, a stand out performance, you were stars!

Scarecrow (Noah Sparkes), Tinman (Harry Butcher) and Lion (Connor Elliott-Roome) were all excellently portrayed with energy, vitality and unrelenting enthusiasm in their characterisation and with strong vocals. These equally iconic characters were played to perfection.  El Pycock was suitably evil  as The Wicked Witch of the West as a cunning and scheming individual. In contrast Rhianna Melton who was playing Glinda swept onto the stage in a fabulous costume and with an equally fabulously clear singing voice. Aunt Em was on this performance played by Sophie Jewers and on alternate performances by Lily Raymond and they both played opposite William Davison as Uncle Henry.  As is traditional with this storyline many of these characters appear as Dorothy’s family and friends in the opening scenes before they get transported to the Land of Oz.  This also applies to Professor Marvel (Tyreese Ross) who then plays the Wizard of Oz quite magnificently.

The ensemble consisted of the delightful junior Munchkins and the older members who helped to set the scenes brilliantly with their excellent song and dance routines giving terrific support to the leads. There was some imaginative choreography with the whole cast injecting life, energy and immaculate control on a crowded stage. The static poses held for an amazingly long time made a beautiful tableau. There are many scenes for the chorus and smaller roles for the featured ensemble giving them all lots of stage time including in the Poppy Fields, the City Guards and the Flying Monkeys all with their different innovative costumes looking colourful and brilliant as always.

The set consisted of projected scenery and small trucks which worked well giving the cast more space on stage and cut out the need for big scene changes, making the whole production flow smoothly,  also featuring some very effective lighting. Sound levels were excellent.  

Another fabulous production from The CTC concluding with a very deserved standing ovation. Thanks to Bridie, the team and cast for all the hard work I know you put into these shows. Thank you also for the very warm welcome and hospitality you gave to us, your NODA guests.

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