The Wizard of Oz

Startime Variety have a long tradition of homegrown Pantomime adaptations and the mantle this year was passed to Taylor King, who not only wrote this clever version of the well know and loved “The Wizard of Oz” but also Co-Produced the show alongside Choreographer, Lilly Dahms. 

Taylor was not afraid in taking a few daring tweaks to the established story – beginning right at the opening as we are already in Oz where we get introduced to the familiar characters: Georgina Philpott’s Dorothy, Sara Aldridge’s Scarecrow, Holly Mills’ Tin and Ryan Wall’s Lion brought us some great and utterly confident performances, demonstrating excellent team work as well as consummate pantomime performances, reacting superbly with an appreciative audience as well as some wonderful comedy timing.

They were ably supported by some marvellous characters including Kieran King’s Black Country Linda, The Good Witch, Laura Wall’s suitably evil, The Wicked Witch of the West Midlands and her hench persons – Gemma Shaw’s Olive and Madie Meese’s Jade (a nod to the ‘emerald’ city!) who gave us a suitably incompetent pairing, enjoyed by the audience. Christopher Ashford’s The Wizard and Lisa Whitehouse’s Pock added to the story, but I have to say, Bobby Murphy’s Kebab Keith was a joy and had the audience rolling with laughter – me included!

Musical Director, Chris Handley, gave us some marvellous musical moments – some great ensemble singing featured throughout, although Holly Mills’ as Tin, gave a captivating and musically perfect renditions of ‘All That Jazz’ and ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ much to the delight of the audience en masse and Ryan Wall as Lion, gave a rousing version of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ delivered with gusto and to superb effect.

All of this topped off with great band accompaniment and some spectacular lighting effects and great sound balance and soundscape made a thoroughly enjoyable evening for one and all.

My grateful thanks to everyone at Startime Variety for making me feel so welcome as always.

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