The Wizard of Oz

As always, there was a warm welcome upon arrival at Kinver High School. This came not only from Secretary Philippa Hickinbottom and Assistant Treasurer Peter Mills, both Honorary Life Members, but also from countless others working front of house or attending the performance.

Following on from Dick Whittington and His Cat late last year, KLOS had a tough act to follow.

The Wizard of Oz is a show known to us all, whether through the iconic film — remembered by many from its annual Christmas television screenings — or simply through its timeless songs. Therefore, it was with high expectations that I attended as Regional Councillor, accompanied by Ian Thompson, Regional Representative for District 8.

I was pleased to see the open set upon entering the auditorium. The quality of its construction deserved to be admired before the action even commenced. Upstage, a video wall enabled superb graphics to be displayed. These were imaginative and a joy to watch as they unfolded throughout the production. Scenes in Kansas were shown in sepia tones, beautifully contrasting with the glorious technicolour that greeted us upon arrival in Oz.

The raised upstage area incorporated the famous yellow brick road, which also featured within the archways on stage. The overall staging concept was inspiring.

We all know the story, so I do not intend to revisit it in detail. However, several performances deserve special recognition.

Chloe Rampton made the role of Dorothy Gale her own, and this most certainly worked to ensure she had the audience on her side while also leading the others on their journey to Oz. Perhaps the most well-known song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, was sung wonderfully and, in this version, we were treated to a reprise (the song was almost cut from the film). The ruby slipper transfer was well executed by Chloe and the supporting ensemble.

Sam Martin was suitably flexible in movement as Scarecrow. The re-stuffing of straw and characterisation were believable and well-rehearsed, and he was superb throughout the show, showing tenderness towards Dorothy.

Rick Houlston-Dowell played a superb Tin Man. Again, this was a well-rehearsed character, and his heartbreak at the end of the show was genuinely moving.

The Cowardly Lion was superbly characterised by Sam Houlston-Dowell. Following the success of “The Cat” in the recent pantomime, this excellent performance came as no surprise. Every aspect — movement, voice, and facial expression — was carefully captured. “If I Were King of the Forest” was performed delightfully, enhanced further using a crown and robe.

Nina Best played the role of Glinda. It is not an easy part, as the character needs to be kind and caring without going over the top. Nina balanced the demands of the role well.

Our baddie, the Wicked Witch of the West, was played with relish by Claire Jackson. She was most certainly the neighbour from hell as the spiteful Miss Gulch and equally delightful (if that is possible) as the Witch. The melting scene was highly effective and extremely well staged.

As Professor Marvel, Daniel Cox gave a warm and genuine portrayal before transforming into a suitably booming Wizard.

Ben Williams made the most of the role of the Emerald City Guard. The well-known sequence involving knocking on the door because the doorbell was out of order was hilarious.

Paul Costello and Cathy Moreton portrayed Uncle Henry and Aunt Em warmly and convincingly as Dorothy’s caring guardians, helping to reinforce the central message that “there’s no place like home”.

The younger members of the society, playing the Munchkins, all performed very well and clearly enjoyed being part of the production. Special mention must go to Bonnie Wilson (Mayor of Munchkinland), Oscar Wilkinson (Coroner), and Sullivan Crofts (Barrister), who delivered the announcement of the death of the Wicked Witch of the East wonderfully.

The senior dancers and ensemble were excellent, whether appearing as citizens, trees throwing apples, crows, or jitterbugs. The choreography was delivered well throughout the show by the entire cast.

Finally, I must comment on the true star of the production — Percy as Toto. Percy was a complete natural, and I particularly loved how he sat in the bicycle basket when taken off stage by the Wicked Witch.

One challenge for the actors playing the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion is the need to change quickly back into their farmhand costumes for the final Kansas scene and then once again for the walkdown. These changes were managed smoothly and efficiently, ensuring the production maintained its flow.

The costumes were unquestionably first class, not only for the principal characters but also for the ensemble. The citizens of Oz, for example, wore costumes that would not have looked out of place in a certain long-running London production also based in Oz.

The audience reaction throughout was thoroughly deserved, including the enthusiastic boos directed at the Wicked Witch. The curtain call was perfectly timed to fit the backing track.

The sound balance between orchestra, backing track, and cast microphones was excellent, ensuring every word of dialogue could be clearly heard. The lighting was effective throughout, and the use of pyrotechnics, bubbles and related props added further excitement. The snow scene at the end of Act One was delightful.

I look forward to future performances from KLOS, not least their annual pantomime — this year Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood — and next year’s production of Shrek the Musical.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a superb production.

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