The Wizard of Oz

This iconic show from the 1939 film and which was first performed in London as late as 1987, is so well known and loved by so many theatre folk.    It is the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from a farm in Kansas who bangs her head during a storm and wakes up in the land of Oz.

Leatherhead OS provided a sumptuous set and costumes to enable their talented cast to perform at their very best.   The small principal cast were all excellent in their various dual parts (apart from Dorothy playing only herself).

Fifteen year old Helen Newhall in the lead role of Dorothy, possessed amazing poise, clear diction, presence and grace.    She is clearly destined for many more lead roles in the future, especially as she has a lovely singing voice.

Daniel Burns as Scarecrow and Hunk the farmhand moved and danced with much agility as the man of straw and added much lustre to the show.   His panic when facing fire was especially well acted.

Jaco Botha as  the Tin Man and Hickory possesses a quality tenor singing voice and also radiates presence - very well cast.

Tom Paine  had the wonderful role of the cowardly Lion  and also Zeke from the farm.   This is a part many great character actors are desperate to play and Tom did full justice to the marvellous role, giving a magnetic performance.   He moved and danced splendidly.

Playing the Wicked Witch of the West  (another peach of a part) and the spiteful Miss Almira Gulch are two horrible people for the price of one.    Both are deliciously evil and Mary -Elizabeth White took full advantage.    Mary-Elizabeth is from the USA and here reminded us Brits that America has real talent too.   And How!   She was really horrible but rather wonderful as well.

In stark and true theatre contrast Jo Cullen was goodness personified as Glinda, the good  Witch of the North and the warm hearted Aunt Em.   Playing the part of Glinda, gliding around on what appeared to be a hoverboard, required fine balance, but it was highly effective and Jo played this glamorous Witch to great effect and poise.

Chris Poplett was Uncle Henry and also an Emerald City Guard imbuing both with his own distinctive acting.   Very watchable in both roles!

Barrie Ward is an accomplished and well known Pantomime Dame and director. Here he brought all his many skills as Professor Chester Marvel and in the title role of the Wizard of Oz    Surprisingly, this is his first role with Leatherhead Operatic and they would be well advised to make this the first of many to come.

These talented principals were ably backed by a youngish and vibrant ensemble of Girl's Rainbow Chorus, Cyclone Dancers, Munchkin Citizens, Crows, Trees, Foxes, Poppies, Snowflakes, Jitterbugs, Ozians, Winkies and Monkeys.  

Louise E Wilson is a highly experienced Choreographer and used her talents to the full in this show.   The dance routines were tightly worked, highly effective and performed with much energy and enthusiasm.   I especially liked Ding Dong the Witch is Dead and March of the Winkies

There were some memorable sound and lighting effects, notably during the Twister scene and the Haunted Forest.  The demise of the wicked Witch was well devised and carried out. The costumes and snow effect in the Poppy Field were lovely too.   Some costumes were hired and some made by Wardrobe Mistress Michele Jordan assisted by Judy Kelly.   These two ladies were also in charge of the wigs and these looked great too.   Makeup was splendidly applied by Anna Kelly assisted by Heather Rigg  and Elisha Broom

In total there was little or nothing to dislike in this energetic, well directed, choreographed and musically directed show.   The orchestra gave sterling support throughout.   Colin Copestake the Musical Director and Director John Harries-Rees have another hit show to their credit as the enthusiastic audience, on the night I attended, readily demonstrated.

And in true showbiz tradition I have left the best to the end. The endearingly cute and well behaved dog Toto, played by Scamp, stole the show,  as all would surely have expected.

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