A little Christmas outing to the theatre. Anything to escape all that the festive nonsense. However, The Wizard of Oz is not a particular favourite of mine as I always find the story one-dimensional with little or no sub-plot. Just the journey of Dorothy and friends. This offering was no different but I have to say what it did have was a well-written original script. Now I had never seen a Tom Whalley Pantomime before, but I do know of his high reputation and was glad to have finally experienced one of his extremely funny works.
Although a professional principal cast, the production team were students of the Birmingham Stage and Screen Production Academy (BOA), from whom I have seen many wonderful productions in the past. They are studying Production Arts and Stage Management, Hair and Makeup, Technical Theatre and the Level 4 Professional Diploma. Working alongside theatre professionals, the students gain hands-on experience, valuable to their future. And I have to say how impressed I was by the show technicians, especially costumes. There are indeed good times ahead for these talented students. Other student contributions came in the form of the ensemble, namely Alayna Mahon, Alfie Ballinger, Penny Reaney, Jay Wakefield, Kesia Antoine, Holly Glennon and Lyla Lees (Youth Dance Captain).
Yes, everyone must know the plot of The Wizard of Oz, but basically; young girl (Dorothy) is whisked away by a tornado and inadvertently lands her house on a witch whose sister is less than pleased about that fact. To get home, Dorothy must seek the help of the Wizard of Oz, accompanied by friends she meets on the way who bear uncanny resemblances to those she left behind in Kansas.
In the role of Dorothy, we had Jaiden Tsang in excellent voice and presence. She was supported well, though, by a real soul-sister Glinda/Aunt Em in Denese Pitter. I also enjoyed the scooter riding Wicked Witch/Ms Gulch played by Avital Kagen. Then, completing a talented principal cast we had Oriane Johnson (Tinman/Dickory), Jordan Laidley (Lion/Doc), Julie Baker (Scarecrow/Hickory) and Matthew Christmas (Oz/Uncle Harry).
I also enjoyed the fact that the show didn’t fall into the trap of rehashing music from the 1939 MGM classic. Therefore, instead of going over a rainbow, we had The Rainbow Connection (originally sung by Kermit the Frog) before the cast Eased on Down the Road rather that follow it, utilising the tune from the 1975 Broadway show, The Wiz.
This production had direction courtesy of Lorna Laidlaw with musical direction from Gladstone Wilson, plus choreography by Cici Howells. The show was received well by a full auditorium on my visit with the result being an overall job well done.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos mostly taken from the public domain.
Antony N Britt - Author 