The Wizard of Oz

The pre-show publicity in the local newspaper advised that Dronfield's version "closely follows the film", starting off in monochrome then a burst of colour when going Over the Rainbow. We also knew that this production was going to be different when we had to follow the Yellow Brick Road into the auditorium.

The opening scene of the Kansas Prairie with the cottage beautifully depicted together with props and costumes in black, grey and white. For the arrival in Munchkinland there was certainly a burst of colour - the turning of the cottage was amazine and there was certainly a burst of colour -with the costumes completing the picture - the back cloth and the cottage were an absolute delight.  Congratulations to the designers, scenery construction and painting team. I must mention the props, particularly using red umbrellas for the poppies, which when turned over became white to represent snow, the crows and the Wizard (a giant-size prop) were outstanding. Costumes (all from the Group's wardrobe) were excellent particularly the crows, the monkeys and the ensemble together with the principals characters. Lighting and effects also worked well.

Congratulations to  Dorothy (Ellie Ashmore) - a young member, who improves with every show - certainly a leading lady in the making. The Cowardly Lion (Gavin Ward), the Tinman (Julie Ballin) and the Scarecrow (Richard Gilson) were excellent and kept in character all the way through the performance. The Wicked Witch of the West (Rachel Cooper-Bassett) as always gave a first class performance.  All other characters completed an excellent line-up. Congratulations to Katie Marshall Preece and Andrea Powell for their direction and choreography, also to Karen Cook and the musicians for good musical accompaniment.

Well done!

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