Produced by Irene Bowers, this was a delightful show which provided the opportunity to bring together the society's junior and senior groups. It also allowed what is one of the best backstage teams in the area an opportunity to devise imaginative scenery. They duly produced some stunning sets, flying houses (although its trajectory was not quite what was expected), revolving bridges, stylised forests, large bubbling cauldron, electric gismos, etc., etc., Splendid stuff!
The amalgamation of the seniors and the juniors was, however, not quite the success it might have been. Whilst the principals were very good, the choreography of the chorus and juniors left a little to be desired. For a show which should have an abundance of Munchkinland jollity, the chorus was remarkably subdued - smiling should be obligatory in such a place.
The trios of Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow were played by Colin Crompton, David Wilson and Stanley Collinson. Colin was an extremely cuddly, excessively cowardly Lion, David a Tin Man with a touch of the John Inmans (as well as the rust) and Stanley the West Country, rubber-legged Scarecrow.
Nicola Worrall as the splendid green-faced Wicked Witch of the West and Glenys Collinson as the Sorceress of the North gave their all to the more pantomime aspects of the show. The undoubted success was Lindsay Jackson as Dorothy. The society has certainly found an excellent talent here. Vocally good, with a well-maintained accent, her general stage presence was excellent.
The smaller parts of Lord Growlie and Uncle Henry (Norman Bowers) the Wizard (Harry Lee) Visiting Witches (Paula Williams and Joyce Walters) and Tibia (Roger Higginbottom) all complemented the production.
The makeup department, led by Sulwyn Mann, excelled itself, costumes were very colourful and the musical accompaniment was provided by J. Arnold Thornton and Fred Taylor, with David Perks taking the baton for the first time. A nice show, great scenery and principals, but the chorus never quite put the Whiz in the Wizard.
