The Wizard of Oz (Lazy Bee version)

This version by Lazy Bee was light hearted and panto like. The Munchkin youngsters burst on to the stage in a riot of colour, fantastic wigs and enthusiasm – and so it continued throughout. Here was a new influx of youngsters keen to be on stage and looking up to the older named characters. Isla McIntosh brought all her experience to the role of Dorothy, delighting in her opening song and giving us a determined and feisty character. The two witches were a great contrast to each other with Bobbie-Jo Marston characterising the good Glenda with grace and friendly helpfulness while Roni Sneddon made a wonderful wicked Witch who had the audience booing at her every appearance and cheering as she got her comeuppance. Their duet was one of the highlights. Willow Murtagh, the Witch’s sidekick Riff Raff, showed himself as a bullied, malleable tool, and gained the audience’s sympathy and confidence. Sophie Gilland as the Scottish ‘without a brain’ Scarecrow delighted all with her cheery aspect and down to earth comments, timing her lines nicely and always eliciting a laugh. Carice Baillie made a fine Tin Man with a lovely true voice, matching the Scarecrow in his determined search for a real ‘heart’ and strong enough to catch the loveable and ‘cowardly Lion’ portrayed by an assured Cody Rushford. All three had good clear voices and supported Dorothy as she outwitted the Witch and outed The Wizard. The seeming pair of Gate Keepers were suitably superior and obstructive. Lara Hain was wonderfully haughty as the gatekeeper while Eilidh Arthur was revealed as a kind of bewildered and put upon Wizard out of his depth with the responsibility laid on him. Everyone played their parts well, the chorus, the well drilled Guards, the energetic Monkeys, the fluorescent movers and the Dancers - all performing their moves of an imaginative choreography well suited to their abilities. The movement and singing gave energy to the performance, finishing with a heartening and uplifting finale. The costumes were a delight. Of note too were the backcloths especially that of the Witch’s home. The whole production gelled together, provided opportunities for youngsters to display their talents and gave parents and friends a thoroughly entertaining evening.

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