Westbury

This production was a delight: fresh and lively and full of fun. From beginning to end the pace was good and the ensembles well-handled. The costumes were well-chosen, the staging simple but effective and the musicians well-balanced, only prominent when the curtains were closed.

Lauren Mayor’s portrayal of Dorothy was natural and well-contrasted and her singing impeccable in a role which makes strong demands on a young voice. (Hannah Burrows’ performances on Wednesday and Friday evenings were equally worthy of praise. M.M.)

Cathy Burrows was a sparkling Sorceress of the North and well-contrasted with Linda Mogford’s Wicked Witch of the West, a terrifying character with the loudest scream I have ever heard and a beautifully evil presence.

The three characters encountered by Dorothy in her journey to the Emerald City were well played by John Barkle as the Scarecrow – how could he manage to stay so completely still for so long? – Malcolm Mogford as the Tin Woodman and Neil Burrows as the Timid Lion. Sound performances by hardy perennials of Footlights Mary Carlisle as Aunt Em, David Harding as Uncle Henry and Dennis Rees as Farmhand Joe and as the citizens of the Emerald City in the second act supported the Wizard, who had a good terrifying voice.

When it came to Munchkinland, the Munchkins, Lullaby League and Lollipop Guild, what an endearing collection of Children! Those faces, both angelic and mischievous, were a joy to see. The Munchkin Farmer and Coroner were well played by Sam Harding and Alice Ward, and Oliver Quinton was an ebullient Mayor.

The choreography was excellent and well-performed by the children, with only the occasional anxious facial expression when concentrating on the moves. The Jitterbugs and Witches’ Devils were well-trained and the Ozian dancers delightfully diverting.

The visiting witches were suitably revolting, the ghosts adequately spooky and the shrinking cauldron episode convincingly presented.

The whole production was a wonderful co-operation between School and Footlights and made an excellent evening’s entertainment.

Christine Ellen