The Wizard of Oz (RSC)

It is said that you should never work with children or animals but I think that on this occasion it would have been a pleasure to act with Amelia Lawrence, who played Dorothy, and, even though I’m not a dog lover, a well behaved Thea who played Toto!

Dorothy is a wonderful part for a youngster and Amelia did it full justice with her singing, movement and acting all of a high quality and she showed a super stage presence.  She was very well supported by Jamie Stewart as the Scarecrow, Lee Wilson as the Tin Man and Paul Thompson who played the Lion.  All of them looked their parts and, together with Dorothy, they formed a likeable quartet without overshadowing her.

Drafted in at short notice, Tierney Spencer was excellent as the Wicked Witch and performed the part with gusto using very good hand gestures.  The Good Witch, Glinda, was also nicely played by Linda Wilson.  With 15 children in the show and a small group of adults, all roles were well covered although I did feel that there were too many prompts.

The costumes were impressive, especially in the Emerald City, but I did think that those provided for the Munchkins could have been more colourful to match the very good scenery and to add just that little bit of magic to Munchkinland.

Although there were occasions when it was difficult to hear dialogue and songs over the music, overall this was a very creditable show which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.

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