Review by Paul Towers, 8/10/24
The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, music &
lyrics Harold Arlen & E Y Harburg
Directed by Mitchell Smith
Produced by Ian Phillips for IDOLS
At The Little Theatre til Saturday 12th October
2024
I think pretty much everyone knows the story
of The Wizard of Oz. Fractious teenager Dorothy Gale throws a tantrum and runs
off on the Kansas farm where she lives with her aunt and uncle. A tornado
sweeps in and she gets hit on the head by a piece of flying debris. Unconscious
her fevered dream takes her on a salutary lesson in gratitude to the land of Oz
where she meets new friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion.
The IDOLS team, culled from various NHS facilities
in their spare time, have put together an ambitious new production of this
classic family favourite.
As Dorothy Stacey Henson puts on a stella
performance despite having spent the last fortnight in hospital battling
pneumonia. She was faultless.
Dorothy’s new friends provide much of the
comedy in the story. Scarecrow (Ben Cusack) is a bundle of insecurities due to
having been stuck in a field with a pole up his back. Tin Man (Lizzie Bywater-Florance)
has rusted up in the rain. Once unstuck he turns out to be a good dancer. And,
of course, The Cowardly Lion (Norman Buckby), every child’s favourite, has the
most fun with being scared of his own shadow.
Now, every Dorothy has to have their very own
Toto and this one is the adorable Anabel, a treat obsessed dog with absolutely
no ability to take direction.
Of the two witches Elphaba, for those who
know Wicked, is played with gusto by Abbie Stocker while Glinda, the good
witch, all sparkles and goodness, is played by Nikki Miles.
These principal players are ably supported by
both an ensemble of eleven singers and dancers but also by two rotating teams
of youngsters playing various roles as well as the eponymous Munchkins.
There is also a live band of 12 under the
baton of musical director Derek Hunter
The Wizard of Oz is at The Little Theatre
until Saturday 12th October.
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/
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