The Wizard of Oz

It was a pleasure as always to join Newport Pantomime Society Juniors for their latest production, “The Wizard of Oz” at the Pantomime Hall Newport. On one of the hottest days of the year so far, this young cast hit the stage with an energy and enthusiasm that was maintained throughout the show and must be congratulated.

Millie Phillips as our leading character Dorothy gave a very good performance, relating very well with other principal characters. Millie looked the part and her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” was a real audience pleaser. Very well done.

I was truly impressed with the three characters that make up Dorothy’s newfound friends in the story. Millie Burridge as Tin Man, Ayda Rawle-Jones as Scarecrow and Niamh Britton as Lion. The characterisation from all three was very impressive. They looked comfortable with their characters and gave each one a true personality. Having seen these characters many times before, I can honestly say they gave us something special. Bravo

Megan Norris as Glinda gave us the perfect ethereal figure. The soft delivery and smooth movement, with a face that glows, the perfect foil for The Wicked Witch played with gusto by Bethany Bassett. A great cackle any witch would be proud of. Bethany owned the stage with every entrance. A good performance by both good and evil factions.

Well done to Martha Adams as the Wizard of Oz, Elijah Lloyd Hale as Uncle Henry and Samual Bassett as the little dog Toto. 

My congratulations to the whole chorus, who energetically changed from one costume to another and came into every scene with energy and enthusiasm especially in the “Jitterbug” which was very well choreographed.

Congratulations to the whole production team on the set design and special effects that enhanced the whole show and for the impressive mechanical Toto Dog from the imagination of  Gerald Needs.

Well done to you all.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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