Wizard of Oz

Based on the famous film this stage version of The Wizard of Oz was a good choice for HATS’ spring show, which made full use of the young members of the society.

Technically Hockwold Village Hall is a difficult venue as the company have to build the stage and cable the hall before they can begin to think about performing.  All their expertise wasn’t wasted as this was a most colourful production with impressive costumes and colourful backdrops. 

This show had a relatively young cast and, with a few exceptions, also relatively inexperienced.  However the entire cast put their hearts into their performance and were, obviously, enjoying every minute. 

In the leading role Sue Perry played Dorothy with style and energy.  She worked extremely well with her three companions in her search for the Wizard.  Max Blake as Scarecrow did a grand job, he has a good delivery and is obviously a young man with potential.  A great hit with the audience Matthew Izzard made an excellent Cowardly Lion with good characterisation and stage presence and Andrew Gookey as the Tin Man shone, in more ways than one, in a first-rate performance.  All four possess good singing voices and delivered their songs with confidence.  

The scary Wicked Witch of the West Laura Jestico had such a fearsome shriek I got a bit concerned for her vocal chords.  This was a ‘suitably evil’ performance though which elicited the requisite boos from the audience.  Viv Morris as the Sorceress of the North had good diction, a nice singing voice, and she looked lovely.  Completing the cast of Principals was Dom Bunten who made a very impressive Wizard of Oz. 

Over the rainbow there were the Munchkins, who all looked splendid.  All knew their song and dance routines which were appropriate for both the age groups and restricted space.  The Emerald City scene with the splendidly attired Generals instructing the single Private was a missed opportunity for expanding the comedy.  I believe the writer’s intention is for the Private to do all the work and the Generals to deliver the orders. It was still funny though.  

I saw the opening night performance and things could have moved quicker. Conversely, having then seen the lack of space backstage, I reckon everyone did a splendid job. The technical aspects of the show worked well, including the reducing spell and the costumes were brilliant well done to Carol Haigh and The Sewing Circle.

Of course with such a large cast it is not possible to mention everyone but suffice it to say each person put in every effort.  It was good to see so many younger performers; hopefully they will continue and build on this experience.  The cast generally sung the familiar songs well and I am sure MD John Ramsbottom got the best out of everyone.  I am positive directors Tracey Askew and Denise Vaughan were proud of you all.

Thank you HATS for an enjoyable evening Over the Rainbow.

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