The Wizard of Oz

‘Jolly good fun’ as the song says was what this show of LAMP Children’s Theatre was all about. From Dorothy’s opening solo of Over the Rainbow to the colourful and agile Munchkins and The Wicked Witch is Dead, along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and triumphant ending, this cast of young performers entertained. Wonderful scenes included the hurricane with the revolving house, the (dis)appearance of the Jitterbugs, the shrinking of the Wicked Witch and the amazing hands of The Wizard. The singing of all three songs ‘If only I had a – Brain, Heart, Nerve’ was true and, in each, the sentiment connected with the audience. The well drilled chorus, as Munchkins and Citizens of Oz, moved and sang beautifully and resonated with enthusiasm. Particular mentions must go to Hannah Ritchie as Dorothy for the ease in which she sang and handled her role and led the show, to Connor Watt who impressed hugely as an extremely flexible Scarecrow (were his legs actually made of straw?) to Ross Wrightson as a steely Tinman who showed he had a heart, and to Cameron Goodwin as an engaging Cowardly Lion whose confidence grew once he sensed the rapport of the audience. All four interacted well together, bringing out the humour and pathos of their roles. They were ably supported by Lisa Hagart as the dreadful Wicked Witch with her deliciously wicked laugh (who couldn’t fail to be pleased at her demise in the pot?), Chiara McDougall as graceful Good Witch and a host of minor characters like Growlie played by Alexander Gavin who show that talent  is developing for the future. The skeleton and ghosts gave ghoulish and light touches to the production.  Everyone, first and last, gave their best and successfully transported their audience to a different world. The production team should be proud of these youngsters. Congratulations on another fine performance.

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