Wizard of Oz

I am familiar with the musical version of Wizard of Oz, but have never seen it performed as a pantomime so was interested to see how this worked. Happily, the answer is very well, especially in the hands of a capable group such as Shaldon. The story was basically the same familiar one, but the song slots were largely popular choices of more modern music familiar to pantomime audiences. It is fair to say it was light on audience participation, but that which was included was skilfully handled by a very experienced cast.

This group has a good technical reputation, and while this show didn’t tax them as much as the previous years offering, there were still some great technical aspects to this show. The Wizard himself being one of those. There was some great lighting and effects. The show was well costumed and this ensured the visual aspect was , as usual, first rate.

This year the band was at the rear of the stage on an upper level, and this worked well. We were treated to viewings of the band at times to ensure the audience did not think backing tracks were being used. Sound balance was excellent throughout. Shaldon always give us a superb band and this 5-piece combo gave us up tempo brassy accompaniment of a standard one would find in the biggest pro pantomimes.

The show was skilfully directed. Andrew ensured that a good pace was maintained throughout so that the younger audience members did not become distracted.

The dame role in this version is Aunt Em, and this performer is always a delight to watch. This was a very polished performance, and he was very entertaining. He was also the choreographer, and the company routines were great to watch and helped to give the show a real fast pace.

We don’t need to worry too much about motivation or themes with a pantomime, but we know that Wizard of Oz carries the themes of friendship between strangers, and of journey and home. These were well represented here.

Scarecrow was another stand out performance from this professional trained performer. I really loved his portrayal which managed to bring out a lovely lugubrious side but still managed to keep the character up tempo. Lion and Tin man supported him well and ensured this threesome was entertaining to watch.

There are three witches in this version and here the production fielded the big guns from its female performers. All three gave grand standing performances, especially Witch of the West who is always a great performer to watch.

I am a real fan of the young actress playing Dorothy. I have seen her with other groups, and she is a real talent for the future. Along with her older cast companions she knew how to play the audience and is the possessor of a great singing voice.

The lesser roles of Princess Margarette, Prince Emerald, the Chamberlain and Woodlander are roles that have been introduced for the purposes of pantomime but all were portrayed without any weak links.

Finally, the wizard himself, made his entrance towards the end of the show and gave good presence to this role that can sometimes be upstaged by any special effects for the wizard we see beforehand. He was able to present the smaller human presence behind the sometimes-fearsome wizard.

I wasn’t sure what to expect of a pantomime version of this show, but it was hugely enjoyable and got great reaction from the full house audience. This group presents one of the best pantomimes I see annually and so it was again this year.

 

 

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