The Wizard of Oz

Roxy Lane’s contribution to pantomime season is this “wicked” little pantomime with a clever script. Playing to capacity crowds, with lots of matinees, this is a child-friendly production with lots of colour.

Charlie Baker is a very likeable Dorothy who anchors the show well, while also doing double duty as the show’s musical director. Her famous friends are played with great teamwork by Ethan Battle (lots of personality as Scarecrow, Teale Harrison as Tin Man and Made Kate as the Cowardly Lion.

Lovely contrast between the two witches. Amanda Walker is a clever and funny Glinda the Good, nicely opposing her real-life mother, Heather Marshall, who is having a great time playing the Wicked Witch and Ms Karen Gulch.

In smaller roles, Ray Candy nicely doubles as Uncle Henry and Attenborough, while Daniel Walker, a last-minute addition to the cast, makes a welcome return to the stage in the title role. Leigh Atin brings bubble and spark to the role of Winkie the Monkey.

A small but hard-working ensemble play multiple roles including Munchkins and trees, with Serena Clark, Seth Barnes, and Lachlan Anderson working even harder at the performance I attended, nicely covering the absence of castmate Alannah Gillis.

Christine Ellis, doubling as designer, has created a colourful world on the small Roxy stage, brightly lit by Ben Roberts. Traditional costumes, with occasional touches of whimsy from costumiers Josephine Wayling and Anna Gervas, add to the pantomime fun.

The audience are encouraged to get involved - with lots of opportunities to make noise - and Tom Whalley’s text is a gem - if occasionally a little too British to gain full laughs from an Aussie audience.

Kimberley Shaw