The Wizard of Oz Pantomime

Panto season started with a bang in NODA North District 5 thanks to Dragon Tale Theatre Group’s The Wizard of Oz! Even though it was my first time seeing their shows, I instantly felt the warm community spirit of this group. The front-of-house was fully decorated and decked out with custom badges, quirky games, themed signs, and a photo booth with Cornettos at intermission! The effort put into this was apparent and I loved it all!

The pantomime kicked off in Prudhoe, starting at the school where Dorothy waved goodbye for summer and headed to see her Auntie Em and Uncle Henry. Her friends Bertie and Charlie are also ready to ditch their textbooks for a while, but not everyone is having an easy time: Mr. Leon and Dame Betty are holding down the fort at school while Miss Gulch stirs up trouble. After a quick adventure, everything gets turned upside down as the story whisks us away to Munchkin Land, where all those familiar faces from Prudhoe pop up again—this time in the magical world of Oz!

Mac Toal brought our lovable scarecrow Bertie to life with classic "button's" style humor—no punchline was left behind—and absolutely won over the audience with his heartfelt performance of “Don’t Let Me Go” from Shrek the Musical.

Daniel Hall gave us a bashful Tinman who couldn’t have been sweeter, serenading Dorothy with a tune straight from Ed Sheeran’s songbook.

Lee Robinson’s Lion was a delight—equal parts charming and hilarious—with an unforgettable take on "I’m on My Way." Lee’s ability to balance bravado with vulnerability had everyone rooting for the cowardly pride of the jungle!

Betsy Stock bounded across the stage as the bratty hungry puppy Toto, exuding confidence and enthusiasm in every wag and bark!

Fiona Tool dazzled with her grand entrance as the Good Witch (on a hoverboard, no less!) and doubled up as Dorothy’s Aunty Em whilst Ray Moore juggled both Uncle Henry and the Wizard. He injected comic relief as Uncle Henry and commanding respect as the Mighty Oz.

Dan Gowens’ Dame Betty was a whirlwind of energy—one-liners fired off at lightning speed, occasionally toeing the line (but always with a wink), ensuring there was never a dull moment when Betty took the stage.

Cate Wootton shone as Dorothy, delivering clear, heartfelt vocals and engaging with everyone around her; she brought warmth, resilience, and hope to the role, making Dorothy instantly relatable.

And as director, choreographer, set designer, and our very own Wicked Witch Fiona Henderson delivered big musical numbers with flair. In glorious green she embodied the baddie we all love to hate, cackling her way into everyone’s memory with flare and sass.

The ensemble’s contribution to the production was nothing short of ingenious, seamlessly weaving themselves into the fabric of every scene. Their versatility brought additional layers of humour, movement, and spectacle, whether transforming into fields of poppies, adding life to scene changes, or cleverly integrating themselves as part of the set—such as the inventive waste heap and dynamic backdrops. Far from being background players, the ensemble took on a wide array of roles and supported the principal cast with creative choreography, inventive group work, and lively musical numbers. Their energy and adaptability ensured the show remained visually engaging and vibrant, cementing the ensemble as an integral part of the pantomime’s success.

Lighting & set design were thoughtfully executed, enhancing the atmosphere throughout, while the props—such as the cleverly constructed broken car and the Good Witch’s whimsical transport—demonstrated a clear commitment to creativity. Costume design stood out, particularly during the transformation of the cast into a field of poppies and the striking hair and makeup that completely reinvented the Wicked Witch of the West.

Scene changes were handled with ingenuity, utilizing a versatile skeleton structure and ever-changing backcloths to transport the audience from a school to a forest, cornfield, and even a waste heap, with the latter scene making especially effective use of the ensemble. The live three-piece band, with ‘Julian’ frequently stepping into the spotlight, became an integral part of the performance, blurring the lines between musicians and cast.

The musical numbers offered a lively mix of pop and classic show tunes. While some choices, like the Lambeth Walk, felt a bit dated, others—such as Tiger Feet by Trex—were delivered with infectious energy, strong group choreography, and harmonious vocals.

Some narrative choices, such as the greengrocer’s scene, the Wicked Witch’s hot pepper moment, and the Beatles-inspired flying monkeys, added a layer of randomness that was at times confusing but undeniably memorable. The show’s conclusion, featuring a miniature balloon whisking Dorothy back to Kansas with the ensemble waving to create a sense of distance, was both inventive and genuinely touching.

While the production was undoubtedly imaginative and full of energy, the overall running time did feel rather lengthy. Several scenes could have benefited from a brisker pace, and some musical numbers might have been trimmed without losing their impact or charm. Streamlining certain sections would have helped maintain the audience’s engagement throughout and ensured the show’s vibrancy was sustained from start to finish. Constructive tightening of the script and musical choices in future productions could make for an even more compelling and enjoyable experience.

In addition to the theatrical festivities, it was a honour to present NODA Long Service Awards during the evening. These awards recognise the dedication, talent, and tireless commitment that our members have given to the world of amateur theatre over the years. Sincere thanks and heartfelt congratulations to each recipient—your ongoing enthusiasm and hard work are the backbone of our creative community, and your service is genuinely appreciated by all.

Overall, The Dragon Tale Theatre Group’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz Pantomime was a creative and confident piece of theatre, distinguished by its inventive staging, detailed design, attention to detail and the evident passion of everyone involved. Congratulations folks and thank you again!

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