The Wizard of Oz

The Future of Gateshead A.O.D.S. looks to be in good hands if this performance by their Junior Section is anything to go by. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary they produced a wonderful evening’s entertainment with this R.S. C. version of this classic show.

What a vibrant production it was with excellent scenery, costumes, lighting  and props which were all combined together to give an atmosphere that you were part and parcel of the action and were actually in Oz. The youngsters in the audience felt so and joined in at every opportunity.

Add into the mix an enthusiastic and talented cast and you had it all. With 30 or so cast members on stage the Director Ann Chadwick and Musical Director Ross Norman once again waved their magic wands to bring it all together and produced the goods. The Chorus singing, movement and interaction between themselves and the Principals was fine and the main thing was that they were all enjoying themselves.

To give each of the cast a share of the richly deserved  limelight there were over  20 individual and group  roles of varying degrees which I felt was a lovely touch and ensured  no one missed out.

The fourteen named Principals all gave a solid and sound interpretation of their characters but I would like to single out Rebecca Mayer (Dorothy) Rhiannon Hayward (Wicked Witch) Caitlin Burrell (Scarecrow) Jess Gibson (Tin Man) and Harry Sanderson (Lion) whose characterisation of their respective roles was extremely good. Think of the original film then it was here in miniature.

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