The Wizard Of Oz, SALOS Wyvern Theatre

After last year’s splendid offering from SALOS I wondered how they could possible better it with this year’s production, The Wizard Of Oz.

It is a completely different genre to last year’s Sister Act and very much more of a children's favourite (he kids in the audience loved it). It doesn't have quite the same wow factor, but instead a kind of ‘niceness’, if that makes sense.

As with a lot of amateur companies in our town the talent on stage is undoubtedly good. The stalwarts of the society, such as Ray Dance and Judith Sharp, always give excellent performances in whatever role they play. This was no exception. Ray was in the title role of the Wizard and also Professor Marvel while Judith played Aunt Em and Glinda.

Directed once again by Russell Langdown and choreographed by Gemma Short, this very technical production didn't have the huge chorus numbers that last year’s show had. However, the numbers that were in this one showcased the talents of the young children in the cast and also the adults, who always give it their all. 

The iconic role of Dorothy was played by Sally Rudd. Her acting and singing ability had me believing in her from the start.

Tony Asprey, who is making a welcome return to the SALOS stage after an absence of many years, played a good scarecrow and Christopher King was just right as the Tin Man.

Stuart Dark played the role of the Cowardly Lion with so much panache that he had me hooked from the start. I have seen Stuart play many roles in many genres but I think this was made for him; not only in characterisation but in singing voice too. Good direction and choreography added to the delightful staging of their work together.

The orchestra, conducted by MD Malcolm Webb, were good, although at times a little loud, especially at the beginning.

Nicola Burridge epitomised the Wicked Witch Of The West. I was informed this was her first role on stage. Well done to her.

And what can I say about the cute and cuddly dog Indy, as Toto? The children in the audience loved her and so did I. Sally Rudd and all the other cast members did a grand job of looking after her while she was on stage, which was for most of the production. She never flinched at any of the pyrotechnics or sudden movements.

Costume, sound and lighting all added to the magic and colour of the production, even if at times mistakes were made on this first night. With such a technical show this was probably inevitable, but I'm sure as the run goes on they will be ironed out. In the words of director Russell Langdown: “All creative teams and actors want to put their own interpretation on a production”. Well, SALOS certainly did that as always.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. It might not have that wow factor, but it has lots to offer. ROS HOLLANDS

The Wizard of Oz runs until Saturday