The Wizard Of Oz

And off to see the wizard who was packing them in at the Lyric Theatre Carmarthen. In a richly colourful and attractive production by Dan Williams, we were soon over the rainbow and lost in a world of innocent charm and fun, toe tapping to familiar tunes. Safara Halpin made the role of Dorothy her own in  a beautifully sung performance of assurance and sensitivity. Her fellow adventurers- the Scarecrow (Iwan Williams), Tin Man (Cuan Rowlands) and the Cowardly Lion (Steffan Hughes) - were all played with youthful zest and endearing well defined and convincing  charecterisations, four very talented young players. The acidic, dislikeable Almira Gulch, was horrendously loveable as the Wicked Witch of the West in a crackling performance by  Bethany Williams Potter, which earned her boos aplenty.  Glinda the Good Witch of the North was comfortingly and calmly played by Chelsea Axon. Colourful characters in well;-played cameos with Oliver Goulstone as the Showman Prof. Marvel and the bungling Wizard, Phil Thomas as dear old Uncle Henry, Louise Weldon as a safe mumsy Aunt Em, and a scene stealing performance by  Harry Williams Potter as the Emerald City Gatekeeper.A well behaved, tactile and tolerant performance by Dorothy`s pet dog Toto. A fine team of youngsters were a joy to watch in all they did, so confident and well rehearsed and lighting up the stage with bags of energy and enthusiasm. Musical Director Helen Wyn gave the score  a bright fulsome backing and the show was a riot of colour with costumes by The Costume Emporium. The magnificent set  by Scenic Projects , the pyrotechnics, video footage and  sound effects completed a thoroughly enjoyable evening along the Yellow Brick Road.

Congratulations to all involved with this production, hard work does pay off. Thanks for the hospitality. Look forward to meeting up with you all again.

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