The Wizard of Oz

Thirty performers take the audience along the yellow brick road in this production where it’s wonderful to see experienced performers working in harmony with some very young Munchkins and Winkies. It is 125 Years since L. Frank Baum’s book was first published, yet the musical version of his story of Dorothy’s dream journey to the emerald city still thrills audiences all over the world.

In this production, played on a minimalist set augmented with some “multimedia” effects by director Luke Brattoni, adults and young people work together in a faithful interpretation of the John Kane’s stage adaptation of the 1939 movie. Apart from projected backdrops and lighting and sound effects, there are no “whizz bang” special effects. It’s musical theatre in its true sense: music, singing, dancing and acting … and the audience is enjoying it immensely.

Brattoni pays tribute not only to his cast and creative team but to the “community” of parents and volunteers who have supported the production. Community theatre companies manage on shoe-string budgets and love – and it is always great for that love to be recognised.

Bratonni has run dual casts – one Emerald, one Ruby – which means a double work load for the director, the choreographer (Rachael Hyland) and musical director (Helen Howe). But what an opportunity for the double cast! In the “Emerald” cast, Sarah Elliot plays Dorothy; in the “Ruby” cast she is played by Ella Herdman. Thomas Eggleton (Scarecrow), Daniella Hymers (Tinman) and Rory Old (Lion) join her as her “Ruby” cast friends.

It was the “Emerald” cast that I was privileged to see, and Sarah Elliott is a delightful Dorothy. She has a fine, clear voice which finds the emotion and longing in Dorothy’s songs She is also an engaging actor who establishes the ‘truth’ of Dorothy’s spirit, determination and her concern for others. She finds the innocent naivety of a young girl as well as the sense of responsibility that is so significant in Baum’s original story.

Alexander Whitbourn is the Scarecrow, chuckling his unworried way to “see the wizard”. Whitbourn makes the Scarecrow loose and jolly, tripping and falling effortlessly, smiling almost vacantly … but with a devilishness that has much audience appeal. It is a lovely role and Whitbourn introduces the musical motif of the three friends in a charming voice and a careful, faltering dance routine.

The Tinman is played by Holly Miller, who makes the character suitably rigid but very musical. Her costume is most effective, giving her the shiny silvery appearance of stiffness, as well as the flexibility to move in routines with the other characters. Miller’s disarming Tinman shows the breadth of her experience in both choirs and musical theatre.

Peter Hellier obviously enjoys playing the much-loved Cowardly Lion. Hellier brings experience in both theatre education and performance to the role, making his Lion a very lovable and gentle King of the Beasts. He is light on his feet but heavy on his faintheartedness especially when he dances and sings “If I Were King of the Forest”.

And what of the witches? Andrea Ginsberg brings operatic experience to the role of Glinda, the good witch, her voice soaring over the audience as she encourages Dorothy to use the power of the ruby shoes. As Aunty Em she moves between busy-ness and concern making the switch of characters interestingly connected.