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Wizard of Oz

Author: Des Wilby

Information

Date
10th January 2025
Society
Parish Players
Venue
St. Mary's Church Hall
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Peri Kennedy (Director) & Angela Kinsella (Assistant Director)
Musical Director
Nick Roberts
Choreographer
Angela Kinsella
Written By
Nigel Holmes

It was a pleasure to have again visited with Parish Players for this production of their winter pantomime – ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Everyone knows the classical 1939 film starring the legendary Judy Garland as Dorothy. Written by Nigel Holmes, and based upon the original L Frank Baum book, the story does include the quest for Scarecrow’s brain, Tin Man’s heart, Lion’s courage and Dorothy’s way home to Kansas. Also included are a host of other pantomime characters making little else was recognisable however…

Congratulations must first be given to Peri Kennedy (Director), Angela Kinsella (Assistant Director) and Nick Roberts (Musical Director) for the overall success of this production. I found it to be most entertaining, full of humour, bad puns and ‘double entendre’– exactly what was expected from a pantomime! Not busy enough in her AD role, Angela also took on responsibilities as Choreographer ensuring this was bright and suitable for all abilities and styles. The small band played sympathetically for those on stage and added lots of noisy effects when appropriate!

Every pantomime must also include both good and bad characters, at least one ‘it’s behind you’ moment and plenty of ‘oh yes it is…’ moments to encourage audience interaction. The unexpected inclusion of a Dame, a Prince, a Princess and an all-purpose comedy duo really did feel like two pantomimes in one.  

Congratulations to everyone at Parish Players and thank you for a lovely evening’s entertainment. Those audience members in tonight’s ‘full house’ certainly enjoyed themselves and most definitely got into the pantomime spirit.

 I look forward to my next visit and enjoying future productions!

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