Follow the road to Oz (From Swindon Advertiser)

Follow the road to Oz

4:41pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in Reviews

The Wizard of Oz Estelle School of Dance Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

The Wyvern Theatre is the latest venue to have a production of The Wizard of Oz courtesy of the Estelle School of Dance, and principal Patricia Bennett brought together her dance school in a colourful, well-costumed evening of entertainment.

Dorothy was beautifully played by Alice Baker. She was a little nervous at first but then grew into the role.

Pat herself played a very raucous Wicked Witch of the West. I don’t know how old Pat is now, but she was my first dance teacher when I was seven, and I’m 60 now! I’ll leave you to work that one out.

Stage director Mark Cooper and Pat are to be congratulated for getting all the dancers and leads in the right place at the right time and for coming up with some interesting ideas, lighting and effects.

The Lion, played by Stuart Benjamin, had the audience eating out of his hand and the Tin Man, Norman Goodall, and Scarecrow, Steve Summers, looked as though they were enjoying themselves.

Abigail Daniels as the Sorceress of the North played the role with confidence. I would have liked a bit more sparkle on her costume, but that’s just me.

You cannot undertake a production like this without some sterling work from parents and friends; in this case helping to raise the money for the show.

It was a shame the theatre wasn’t more full for this opening performance. However, the cheers, especially after the entrance of the teeny tiny dancers, showed that they appreciated the hours of work and worry that went into it.

The show is on until Saturday with a matinee on Saturday – your kids will love it. Money raised will go to Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.

– Ros Hollands