The Wizard of Oz

The set looked great with a front walkway/playing area in front of the band pit which was used well along with the rear entrances exits no hold ups. A couple of these scenes (sitting  down) may have  been difficult for those near the rear of the hall to see but I love that the action is bought closer to the audience   The lighting plot and projection of images was super and enhanced the scenes.  The costumes and props looked great with attention to detail.

The sound in the main was good but there were a number of incidents of mikes not working and the start of the sound effect for the storm Professor Marvel and Dorothy’s first meeting just sounded like interference. Maybe I was too close to the speaker and it sounded different elsewhere

The 13 piece Orchestra including harpist sounded fantastic under the baton of the convivial MD John G Barry. This MD always shows his enthusiasm whilst conducting and this becomes infectious to both orchestra and cast. His work with the cast including children prior to the show was clear to see and hear with lovely harmonies.

And now to the cast. The 4 principals can only be described as “The Fab 4”. Not a weak link among them. Dorothy was played by the wonderfully talented Helena Ferreira who acted her little white socks off with amazing stage presence, super delivery on her dialogue, a lovely voice and fantastic dancing. Quite simply I couldn’t take my eyes off her and her interaction with her fellow actors.

Scarecrow was fantastically played by Paul Hancox with superb singing and natural acting talents. His relationship with Dorothy was so well enacted that when they were parted at the end I actually had a tear in my eye.

Tin Man was fabulously played by Philip Brady who sang with great heart and acted the part beautifully with natural warmth.

Barry Crossley was wonderful as the Cowardly Lion. A very funny portrayal with great comic delivery and great vocals to match. All four did really well with the energetic dancing especially as the costumes must have made this unbelievably hot.

The supporting role of Em/Glinda was played and sung beautifully by Susan Milligan and Mary Doyle as Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West was played believably nasty as  nasty can sometimes be hard to get right.

Paul Martin as Uncle Henry/Guard and David Long as Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz both supported the leads well but accents needed a little more work.

Boo who played Toto was very well behaved and Helena controlled the dog when on stage and the direction by Pam as to when Toto was on stage was impeccable.

The direction and choreography was well worked out and the cast had obviously been working hard to get it all so slick. The Jitterbug was wonderful. Well done to everyone involved on what was simply stunning evening.

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