King’s Lynn Players lift the spirits with their performance of The Wizard of Oz at St George’s Guildhall

Review: The Wizard of Oz

King’s Lynn Players, St George’s Guildhall, Lynn

I’m so glad I followed The Yellow Brick Road in order to enjoy this performance. The show lifted the spirits, and the production, in all departments, was of a very high standard.

The Players chose the version of the show by the RSC, which like the famous 1939 film starring Judy Garland, is based on a 1900 children’s novel written by L.Frank Baum. It includes music and songs from the film, and is very well suited for stage productions.

Before naming names I must praise all who contributed to the show’s success, only lack of space prevents me from mentioning by name everyone involved, from those backstage, on stage and behind the scenes.

Lighting, special effects, scenery and scene changes were all managed well, costumes also fine and effective.

The music to the show is, of course, tuneful and memorable and the singers were supported well by the orchestra under the direction of Samantha Ashby, Piano/ Conductor, and the brilliant choreography was the overall responsibility of co-director Sharon Fox; it certainly was a great experience enjoying the energetic performances given by the principal dancers, Poppy Guyatt being dance captain, and all others.

And so to the principal characters. All gave of their best; Maddi Dawson was a sympathetic Dorothy Gale, and sang beautifully, the Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by Jo Sherry, was very scary, and the Scarecrow, Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion were amusingly played by Logan Petterson-Cooper, Tim Webb and Liam Nixon respectively.

The other excellent cast members: Amanda Mason, John West, Paul Ketteridge, Jack Higgins, Leslie Judd and Malcolm Baker deserve a mention, and all those others who played their parts as Crows,Trees and Munchkins.

The cast was large and it was good to see many younger members involved in this first rate production.The show was also co-directed by Anthony Maley. Again, apologies to all those not mentioned by name involved in any way with the show’s fine presentation .

I’m pleased Dorothy got home safely to Kansas and was reunited with friends, family and her beloved dog Toto (thanks Jack Higgins!), we look forward to meeting Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee, due to be staged by The KL Players next March, and to find out more contact: info@kingslynnplayers.co.uk

Andy Tyler