Wizard of Oz

CENTRE STAGE THEATRE

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Centre Stage Theatre have always produced an excellent pantomime and this year was no exception.  The production flowed seamlessly from start to finish and the cast made it all the more enjoyable.

Most folk will have seen the Wizard of Oz on screen or stage but this performance was definitely the pantomime version. It had everything - Heroine, Panto Dame, Good Fairy, Wicked Witch, Wizard and the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion along with audience participation and a supporting cast of a mixture of adult and child performers.

Dorothy, played by Rae Graham appeared totally at ease in the role, giving a charming, polished natural performance. She has good stage presence and her singing voice is very good. Her first travelling companion Scarecrow (Ann Barber) was confident and assured with her floppy movements and mischievous grin. Tinman (Finn McVittie) looked and played well whilst the Cowardly Lion (Seth Brown) played his part with great humour and very good facial expressions contrasting his would-be brave attitude with his nervous, cowardly demeanour. This quartet supported and complemented each other along their journey to meet the Wizard, very impressively.

 In this version of the story Auntie Em was also catapulted to Oz and Les Murray, the epitome of the panto dame was his ever-present self. Brilliant as ever his one liners to the audience were witty and he played his part with conviction. Oh no he didn’t, Oh yes, he did!!  His variety of costume changes were most impressive!

Jane Edmond was a most striking Wicked Witch with her cackle and threatening moves whilst Ashleigh Calvert portrayed a most attractive and serene Glinda. The Wizard was well played by Simon Robinson and whilst the smallest of the principals’ parts, he portrayed the part with the right amount of “menace” reverting to the somewhat shy and retiring character at the end.  

The minimal use of set meant scene changes were slick with a good use of backdrops, along with mood changes of lighting to highlight the acting areas. Music for the singing and choreography was not live but this had no effect on the quality of the singing and the dancing. Principal characters all need the support of the other company members and the cast of Munchkins, Oz Soldiers and Jitterbugs all did a grand job showing great eagerness in everything that they did, all knowing the song and dance routines and executing them well. I was particularly impressed by the timing of the chorus numbers and the enthusiasm of the children who at times stole the show. This Company has a community-based ethos and it is great to see so many people involved in putting a show together.  It takes a lot of hard work and enthusiasm over a few months to put on the final product that an audience comes to see and enjoy. The cast always get the accolades but the myriad number of back stage helpers must also get plaudits.

A very impressive production and I thank you all at Centre Stage for a most enjoyable and entertaining evening.

 

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