The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Pantomime

Review of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Pantomime by Watson Players

Watson Players’ production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a vibrant, engaging, and a thoroughly enjoyable pantomime experience. From the very first moment, the talented cast, intricate costumes, and clever choreography set the tone for a high-energy show that catered to all ages.

Dorothy, portrayed by Ciara Beighton a fantastic female lead, a standout performance. Her strong singing voice, excellent rapport with the younger audience members, and genuine connection to her character made her a joy to watch. She embodied the spirit of Dorothy throughout, never letting go of the charm that defined the role.

The Scarecrow, played by Wayne Perry, and the Tin Man played by Gary Rowley were equally impressive, delivering their performances with precision. The Cowardly Lion, portrayed by Jake Perry, was a perfect comedic counterpart, and all three characters never stepped out of character. The trio had great costumes that added to their on-stage presence, and their interactions with Dorothy were fantastic. They managed to break the fourth wall in a way that kept the audience engaged, with expressive faces and energetic performances that went beyond just reciting lines.

Aunt Em, played by Mik Horvath as the Dame, was a highlight. Mik’s strong Dame performance, coupled with some excellent ad-libbing, kept the audience laughing. The costume choices were intricate which tied in beautifully into each scene.

Costumes overall were amazing, especially the stunning green costumes for “One Short Day,” which transported us to the Emerald City. Excellent work from Patricia Church and the Costume team.  

Prince Smarmy (Jessica Baird-Swinburn) and Princess Porlain (Abbie Pritchard) paired wonderfully, delivering the duet "The Song That Goes Like This" with energy and flair. Their comedic timing and chemistry were superb, and the audience adored their performance.

Angela Swift’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West was a menacing and fun villain, with a cackle that resonated across the theatre. The lighting used to emphasize her green glow added to the drama of her character. Her rendition of “The Red Shoes” was a powerful moment in the show.

The fun chemistry between Ugg (Lou Jenkins) and Lee (Karen Jones) added light-heartedness, and they worked incredibly well with the children in the audience, ensuring everyone felt involved in the performance.

The roles of the Witch of the North (Patricia Church) and Witch of the South (Rai Robinson) had a quirky quality. Their costumes and character designs played into the magical feel of Oz.

The Munchkins and Flying Monkeys played by Georgie Barkes and Mel Pugh, had fantastic energy and synchronized movement. Their infectious smiles added a sense of joy to the show, and their choreography was on point throughout.

Jack Woolley’s portrayal of the Wizard was delightfully executed with great puppetry. The character's charisma was brought to life through a lovely singing performance of “It’s Not That Easy Being Green,” which was both funny and heartwarming. The puppet work itself was brilliant, adding a magical touch to the show.

Additional roles Munchkin Kong (Lauren Victoria Wells) the Guardian of the City (James Ash) and the Radio Announcer (Graham Swift), were all well-cast.

The production, directed by Liz Woolley and assisted by Jack Woolley flowed smoothly from scene to scene with seamless transitions. The set design was inventive, particularly the rostra to represent the yellow brick road. The use of projections in the backdrop added an extra layer to the visual experience, especially during the changes in location. The use of current and up to date jokes and references ensured that the show was relevant and fun for a wide audience.

Lighting, designed cleverly to suit the changing moods and scenes, and sound were top-notch. The choreography by Sharon Stringer added several memorable numbers, and the pace of the opening number set a fun tone from the start, getting the audience clapping along.

The band, led by Musical Director Joy Gravestock, assisted by Jo Baird-Swinburn played an integral role in bringing the show to life, positioned on stage and as part of the performance, which added to the overall energy. The singing throughout was strong, with fantastic vocal performances from the entire cast.

It was also fantastic to see a BSL interpreter included, ensuring the performance was accessible to everyone. It's always wonderful when a production goes the extra mile to create an environment that is welcoming for all.

The attention to detail in the Pantomime programme needs a special mention as this was a detailed and colourful programme with so much content. There was a warm welcome from the Front of House team, and the overall professional setup at the theatre were noticeable.

All in all, Watson Players’ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was an exceptional pantomime experience, full of heart, humour, and showmanship. It was a fantastic display of talent. Many congratulations to the Watson Players.

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