The Wizard of Oz

Nostalgia is again back in town with Lynch and Paterson's production of the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of this timeless classic. Incorporating catchy, memorable tunes and a large, all-age and diverse cast, this is a good choice for community theatre and the perfect opportunity for all and sundry thespians eager to demonstrate their theatrical talents. Having already presented over ten productions, Lucas D Lynch and Samantha Paterson set up their partnership to undertake the mammoth task of presenting full-scale productions; and it also extends Lucas an additional springboard to express his talents as a musician and musical director. And he does so with great aplomb. 

Directed by Dirk Hoult and choreographed by Maryanne Nucifora, this production is well-crafted in its ensemble work and headed by a well-chosen cast of main characters, in particular Kirra Lang as the sweet-natured songbird Dorothy, with dulcet tones to match, Hudson Glynn in a most convincing portrayal of the (and 'a') Scarecrow, Connor Hawkins as a terrific 'well-oiled' TinMan, Eleanor Grieve in a warm and ingratiating performance as Glinda/Aunt Em, with The Lion, played by cover actress Fiona Buchanan on opening night, well in character and popular with the audience (including feminists alike!). Also, the evil laugh of the Wicked Witch (played by Ebony Hamacek) could well sink any theatre ghost into oblivion and haunt the corridors for years to come.

Additionally and certainly worth a mention, are the superbly trained Yorkshire Terriers Peggotty Pickle and McGinty Hunt (both doubling up) as Toto. Being on stage for a large portion of the action, and (mostly) sticking to the script, they soon became additional favourites with the audience. Also popular and endearing were the kids playing the Munchkins and the girls playing the Trees and the Crows.

Under the musical director's capable hands, also impressive is the well-rehearsed orchestral display and ambience. Whilst additionally enhancing the performances on stage, it is also refreshing and stimulating to experience in action, both visually and aurally, such a superb score and orchestration in live theatre surrounds.

From a production viewpoint, this show is very demanding, with numerous scene and costume changes, backdrops and a complex lighting plot; and for added display it also includes special effects such as the disbursement of powdered bubbles throughout the auditorium, video screen representation and even scenes with various characters flying through the air. With only a limited budget to draw on, merit must go to all involved in 'Putting it Together' (to quote Stephen Sondheim).

Though some theatrical timing and general tightening would have created a pacier evening's entertainment, the efforts of all are truly apparent with this production, emanating a well-rehearsed ebullience and camaraderie, often an important ingredient in community theatre: that is, enjoy what you do and have some fun while you're doing it.

And isn't this one of the most satisfying aspects of life?

Brian Adamson