The Wizard of Oz

This was Hey Kids 25th Anniversary show and was started with a lovely film of past show photographs where the first show they ever  performed was The Wizard of Oz. Full circle as they say and even more  lovely and  touching  was that  Shelley Byrne the Director was in that  original cast. The programme was based on friendhips and I loved the more natural poses in this lovely souvenir.

The set looked great with both skirts to either side of the main stage being used well for the farmhouse and the witches den. The rest of the action happened on the main stage where the set changes were seamless and well executed.

The lighting and sound in the main were very good but there were a few instances of dialogue missed as cast with lines weren’t all miked and I would’ve added a few effects on lighting for the tornado scene.

The costumes were great with attention to detail and the props were in keeping with the time. The bridge construction was excellent and worked really well and I found out after it was built and dedicated to 2 ex members by the same gentleman who had built and operated the one in the original show 25 years before. A lovely touch.

The band were well conducted by Julia who had clearly worked hard with the cast to produce some lovely vocal performances.

What is wonderful about this society is how the young cast come through the ranks and every year when talented individuals are leaving to go to University another batch of talented youngsters shine through. The cast this year were no exception. I cannot mention everyone but everyone on the stage did a fabulous job.

Dorothy was played by the talented Pheobe Coop who had a great delivery on her dialogue and a gorgeous voice. I loved the relationships she forged with the other characters which were very touching and her ad libbing helped the show along when needed.

Scarecrow was brilliantly played by Arthur Roadnight who fell about the stage and made it look very natural and painless when I’m sure he was covered in bruises, His accent and vocals were impeccable.

Tin Man was fabulously played by William Dawber who apart from the wonderful vocals also had also created a lovely sentimental characterisation.

Lucy Grogan was a fantastically funny Lion. Her acting really shone and she moved and sang with expertise beyond her young years.

Abi Dickson as Glinda and Bethany Nicholls as The Wicked Witch of the West were both well cast and had nice vocals. I loved the scene where the witch shrunk in the melting pot- well executed and controlled and hilariously funny.

The choreography worked really well throughout the show and was well put together by Jill and the Jitterbug was fabulous with everyone playing to their strengthes.

My only complaint was why we didn’t see Dorothy get back to Kansas? Otherwise a really lovely production that everyone involved in should be very proud of.

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