The Wizard of Oz

The overture was quite a short one and led us into the opening scene of the Gales Farm with Aunt Em, Uncle Harry and Dorothy, plus of course Toto. The backcloth reinforced the setting of the bleak prairies in Kansas. The musical has a rather slow start as it introduces the characters, but moved on into a lively, fun show with many familiar songs. Often the best-known song in a musical is much later in the story but in this case we are treated to probably one of the best-known songs of all time – ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ – and in the second scene!

On the Wednesday, when I attended, the role of Dorothy was played by Yvie Bent. Yvie was first class. Her acting and vocal ability were commendable and she played the part with confidence and credibility. Alice Kermeen must have been disappointed not to have been on stage that evening and I hope she was able to take up the role for the rest of the run.

The role of Uncle Henry was in the safe hands of Patrick Coad. He had some wonderfully sarcastic dialogue and his timing was good.

Nick Reigate almost stole the show as Scarecrow and I would imagine that by the end of the week he was covered in bruises! His agility and ‘clumsy’ suppleness made him so realistic. He gave a captivating performance.

As the Tin Man, Shaams Dally was convincing with his awkwardly stiff movements and despite his tin body managed to convey a gentle character who had such a sad story to tell.

The shy and Cowardly Lion was played endearingly by Jean Herbst. His was the main comedy role and he brought it out strongly. I particularly enjoyed his ‘If I Only Had The Nerve’ sung with a Brooklyn accent.

The three men, all characters so very well known in the story, made a great team and worked together brilliantly.

Marion Barton presented a charming, graceful Glinda, the Good Witch, and her singing voice was excellent – she appeared totally at ease in her first solo. She brought an ethereal lightness to the plot.

As the villain of the story, the evil Wicked Witch of The West, Sophie Huntley-Robertson was masterly. She was cruel and malicious and epitomised Evil – very scary!

Mark has a commanding stage presence and was well cast in the title role of the Wizard of Oz. He gave Dorothy’s three companions the qualities they felt they lacked (which were already developing throughout their journey with Dorothy) and not in any dramatic way but by explanation and gentleness.

The part of the Emerald City Guard gave Dave McDermott his first real speaking part and he did it very well.

Will McDermott played Hickery strongly and showed the lovable side to his personality too. As his pal Zeke, Craig Marshall gave a relaxed and confident performance.

Lucy Ella made a motherly and rather stern Aunt Em and Tim Beasley gave a notable performance in the cameo role of Professor Marvel.

The other named characters gave strong support to the leads and this was a real company show with plenty of chorus and ensemble work for the whole cast. I’m sure they all thoroughly enjoyed being part of the lively and energetic production.

The leader of the winged monkeys (afraid I don’t know her name) moved exactly as monkeys do – she‘d clearly studied their movements - quite amazing!

Costumes were colour co-ordinated throughout, depending on the location, and they were all super. Just one small negative point - the trousers were too long on the Emerald City Guard.

The Poppy scene was magical - the dancers in white against the contrast of the red Poppies, and the green of the Emerald City was very striking.

The young people taking part were focussed throughout and there were so many memorable numbers. ‘Merry Old Land of Oz’ was especially good. They were all well versed in the choreography too. Well done –  I’m sure their parents were very proud

The ‘moving’ projections, horse’s tail, birds flying across the screen etc; were effective and the Witch’s castle projection was super. Sound effects were very good as was the lighting. The rainbow colours, the stage lit in Emerald, all a very important part of the production. The ‘storm’ was brilliant – both in lighting and choreography.

Congratulations to the production team of Rosie Mabbott (Musical Director) Georgina Gilbert and Eveey Ruth (Stage Directors) and Lucie Ella and Sophie Findlay (Co-choreographers)

Rosie ‘s band were well balanced and never drowned the vocals and the choreography by Lucy and Sophie was impressive -- and lots of it!

Georgina and Eveey produced a polished musical with innovative ideas (loved the bucket of water effect) and the talented cast brought their vision to life. Well done!

That leaves, last but not least, ToTo, who was played impeccably by Sandy. What a trouper!

Your programme is of good quality and nicely presented with a striking cover. One thing looks odd and that is the way Craig Marshall is named at the bottom of one page and his biography is on the following page – it happens again with Dave Mc Dermott at the bottom of the following page.

Thank you for inviting me to attend ‘The Wizard of Oz’, also for your hospitality on the evening. It really was a most entertaining production.

My very best wishes to you all at WAOSMT for Christmas and the New Year.

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