The Wizard of Oz

The well-known story of Dorothy’s trip to the land of Oz has had panto elements subtly woven into it for this delightful production by Phoenix Players – my last panto of the season. The script (uncredited) was really strong and tightly plotted, absolutely full of corny old jokes, community singing and “he’s behind you”s, with a few local references and not too many double entendres. Just what a family panto should be.

When the curtains went back we were amazed by the quality of the set, and it kept getting better all the way through, culminating with the large wizard’s face – really impressive. Set designer Tina Sanchez must have had a wonderful vision which Tony Silk and the Southsea Stage Crafters brought vividly to life. This is a partnership that should be cherished! Props too were top quality: the witch’s broom and the medals presented to the trio of friends at the end, to name just a few. Costumes (Jo Webb) were also spot-on, very colourful and just like we would imagine from the story. Lighting and sound (Paul Impey) were effective – although I would rather not have had the blinding lights along the front of the stage. Stage Manager Tony Silk made the scene changes as quick as possible, but it’s a shame more action could not have taken place in front of the curtain to cover them; however, space on the stage is very limited and you made good use of it.

Director Sophie Castle, assisted by Lillian Clark, has picked a strong cast and obviously rehearsed them well. Even though it was first night there were no line fluffs and the show kept up a really good pace, ensuring the younger members of the audience had no time to get bored. Singing throughout, to recorded tracks, was to a good standard, thanks to singing teacher Jo Bennington. There were no microphones, but good diction and projection meant we heard everything. The songs were well chosen and always relevant to the story, and Sophie’s choreography was just right, and well executed.

Thea Hogg made the perfect Dorothy (along with a cute Toto). She sang beautifully and had just the right confident and sunny attitude. The three friends she collects along the yellow brick road were also well played. Raj Khan gave us a beautifully innocent and loose-limbed Scarecrow. He has good comic timing and really aced getting the audience screaming and shouting. Steven Penfold portrayed the Tin Man well; we could feel his kindness even though he thought he didn’t have a heart. Kevin Cordell was a marvellous Cowardly Lion – big and fearsome looking, but timid as a kitten.

Sonia Hill really seemed to relish her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, with superb costume and makeup, giving it her all, striking terror into us! Her sidekick Winky was well played by Dylan Gover, obediently doing her bidding, but turning on her in the end. Shred Malice was good as Uncle Henry and the Wizard, making the characters nicely distinct, while Andy Ripley shone in the Dame role as Aunt Em and Glinda. He had some marvellous costumes and head-gear and a nice line in asides to the audience.

Last, but definitely not least, I must praise the three ladies who played the trees, munchkins, flying monkeys and numerous other characters: Lynda Saunders, Fiona Fiander and Sophie Castle. You really made the show for me – and those melons, well I couldn’t stop laughing!

As always, the beautifully presented full-colour programme was top quality, with lots of photos of the cast and rehearsals, plus all the information we needed to know about the show. Great credit to Sass Adams.

This was a great production. Obviously well-rehearsed and directed so there was never a drop in the laughter level all the way through. The kids (young and old) in the audience all had a really good time and went home feeling well entertained.

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