An audience always wait with anticipation for the Lion’s entrance as it has such an expectation of the character. Just a little oil gave the Tinman movability and Darren Briefly was the heart searching Woodman making his mark amongst the threesome's exploits. Patrick Duffy was weak jointed, nimble and endearing as the Scarecrow in search of a brain. To reproduces a role that is so well known, and to find something new to deliver, is quite a job. The three unlikely friends Dorothy meets on the Yellow Brick Road never let the audience down. This young actor moved, sang and handled dialogue so naturally. There were good cameo performances from Bliss Richardson as Gloria, Nick Sands as Lord Growlie and Stephen Woods as the Wizard of Oz.Įllie Goddard as Dorothy Gale is a name to watch out for. Amy Singleton, with her glorious voice and entertaining characterisation, lovingly looked after the kid blown in from Kansas. Looking after the keeper of the red shoes is the Sorceress. She made sure Dorothy and Company had a difficult journey. In Oz, the Wicked Witch was given all the necessary cackling by Emily Wilson. On the farm Aunt Em (Janice Purslow), Uncle Henry (Sam Greaves) kick- started Dorothy’s adventure. Team work was apparent throughout: the ensemble was so supportive of all the principals. They were convincing Munchkins and City Guards. The version for this production enabled the youth membership to put into practice their newly attained skills. The director was inventive and lifted Baum’s characters off the page. All those iconic songs were so well presented. Musically, the M.D., with her excellent band, gave a very good reading of the score. The creative team brought out the best of the performers. Completing the aesthetic picture were colourful and traditional costumes. The story was allowed to be told without hindrance and was given extra credence with Nick Daye’s lighting design.

From Kansas to the Emerald City, Ruth Bearshaw, and her team, built a very workable and convincing set.

Good curtain call song for wizard of oz