The Wizard of Oz

What a lovely start to the festive season to be able to attend such a heartwarming pantomime performed by a talented group of young people. This version of The Wizard of Oz was unique as a panto having no dame and no single comedy lead but what it did have was lots of comedy, heart and of course great singing. The set was well put together and made maximum use of the area available, it was also beautifully lit, and the sound quality was clear throughout provided by Gary Saunders and Aiden Saunders respectfully. Live music was in the very capable hands of Chinami Smith on keys and Peter Lynn on drums.  Costumes were bright and colourful and the principal costumes full of detail.

The magic battle of good versus evil was provided by Chloe Brown as Glinda and Eleanor Adamson as the Wicked Witch. Both gave very strong performances and looked every inch their characters. I particularly enjoyed their “Brave” and “Enter Sandman” numbers. I’m a panto fan so I appreciated the tradition being upheld of the good fairy entering stage right and the evil character entering stage left.

As Dorothy, Cara Moody was perfect, she portrayed the innocence of her character but also worked well with her fellow cast members creating believable friendships, her rendition of “Home” was heartfelt. Along her yellow brick road journey Dorothy met three very different characters, Annabell Shaw as the Lion really captured the personality and his scaredy cat mannerisms, her “Roar” number with the ensemble was very good. Alex Rochester as the Tin Man was great, such a competent performer, his expressions were super and manoeuvring in that costume cannot have been easy, but he made it look effortless especially in “Life is a Highway”. As the Scarecrow George Bailey had a good rapport with the audience, was never phased by the call outs or responses and is a natural comic, I really enjoyed “Together Again” which he performed with Dorothy. These four were such strong leads.

In the Emerald City, Dorothy and friends were met by the most charming guard ever, what a super star, Poppy West was so funny and gave a standout performance – definitely a performer to watch for the future. The Wicked Witch sent the Mayor, played by Amelia Savory and Coroner played by Isla Scott on a mission to follow Dorothy, they did this in various silly disguises and of course never to her satisfaction. The friend’s travels culminated in meeting the wonderful Wizard of Oz played with great confidence by Ollie Carr, I also loved his smoke breathing alter ego made by group member Emily.

The chorus and dancers gave strong support throughout with some lovely singing and dance routines. All in all this was a very entertaining production full of colour, comedy, music and joy – everyone looked like they were having the best time and that certainly came across to your audience.

Rebecca is a bit of a wizard herself when it comes to directing youth productions and knows exactly how to get the best from her cast, supported by Chinami as musical director and Sheralyn as choreographer they created some super theatre together with the help and support of many of the adult group members.

Thank you for your kind hospitality and I look forward to seeing what 2026 brings for you!

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