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Wizard of Oz - The Pantomime

Author: Helen Abraham

Information

Date
12th December 2024
Society
Ferryhill Stage Society
Venue
Mainsforth Community Centre
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Kayomi Koya
Musical Director
Faye Rodgerson
Choreographer
Abby Monaghan

Panto season has begun….oh yes it has!  First stop in an epic 2024 whirlwind of panto visits began with “The Wizard of Oz” The Pantomime by Ferryhill Stage Society.  I was curious to see how the Wizard of Oz could be adapted to a pantomime setting, and especially with the unprecedented success of Wicked in cinemas recently this could have been either a brave or very clever choice by Ferryhill.  Added into the mix was the debut a new member of the production team with Kayomi Koya taking the director role for the first time.

I needn’t have been concerned, the simplified story translated beautifully, the audiences thoroughly enjoyed themselves and Kayomi did herself and the group proud with a fun filled, colourful bright production.  Supported by Abby Monaghan as choreographer and Faye Rodgerson as musical director the production team did a great job.

The familiar storyline was peppered with bright traditional pantomime crazy gags, bright songs and ridiculous antics.  We opened with Cotton Eye Joe from the entire cast of adults and children alike, followed by Dance the Night, intermittent Follow the Yellow Brick Road interludes as would be expected, If I only had a brain, I Wanna know what love is, The Lion’s scared tonight and reach for the Stars.  Act two brought us One Short Day, Journey to the Past, In the Dark of the Night, Must be Santa, Country Roads, and I wish it could be Christmas every day leaving audiences well and truly in the festive spirit.

The cast were played by Faye Rodgerson taking the part of Dorothy with the ruby red converse, Vicky Tweddle playing the Scarecrow, Rasheed Koya playing the Tinman, Robyn Watson utterly stealing the show as the Cowardly Lion, Harri Noddle played by Kayomi Koya and Tommy Doodle being played by Kieran Watson.  The Dame character Aunt Em was played by the every versatile Ian Patterson and the incredible Wendy Hindmarch playing the Wicked Witch of the West.  The hilarious witches cat was played by Sarah Gray and Charlotte Kyle playing Glinda.  Toto was played by Jennifer Revill, The Wizard by Paul Rodgerson and the Guardian of the Gates by Elsie McGowan.  Supporting roles were played by Steve Hill as Uncle Henry, Corky by Ella Connolly, the Mayor by Danielle Beck with a fabulous dancing ensemble of adults and children, Abby Monaghan, Sadie Morley, Eleanor White, Sarah Ward, Hallie Koya, Zara Rand-Erskine, Ellie Hughes, Megan McGough and Joseph Collinson.

As always, ian as the dame character Aunt Em was full of life and character bringing the humour and picking on poor unsuspecting Dave in the front row.  The children’s ensemble were absolutely adorable and dance numbers well rehearsed and executed well.  The costuming was very good and the set and lights bright and appropriate. Unfortunately some sound issues he night I was there which was a shame as the performances were very good.  There were nods to the current movie interwoven into the script, and some great audience engagement.  I very much enjoyed the creative pringle eating displayed by Kayomi and Kieran plus the humour in Rasheed’s song as Tinman! Well done!  Robyn was just a delight everty time she was on stage as the Lion, full of fun and bouncing around the stage like a whirlwind!  Faye’s singing was gorgeous, in keeping with the traditional lead role and the witches cat Sarah brought a really great level of humour to the show.

All in all I very much enjoyed it and Ferryhill are a lovely group to visit.  Well done to you all.  Keep an eye on pace for the next one Kayomi, as I’m sure you’ll be back, as pacing is so important in any show you direct including panto and at times it could be a little slow, but you’ve done a brilliant job, well done!

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