WHEN your production is based on the MGM film version, what better way to start than with the credits rolling on screen? And then, as the screen gives way to reality, everything is seen in black and white, as in the film, until Dorothy’s arrival in Munchkinland heralds the arrival of an explosion of colour.
It was an inspired idea, and one that worked a treat And Neil Mathieson’s ingenious set design, using three-sided blocks that whizzed around the stage during scene changes, was quite outstanding. Congratulations too to the company for being bold enough to fly some of the characters – and succeeding admirably.
John King’s beautifully-costumed production brought out both the humour and the dark elements of the story and was well performed, not least by Diana Chrisman’s wide-eyed, appealing and sweet-voiced Dorothy and her companions Scarecrow (Neil Mathieson), Tinman (Rob Walker) and Lion (Mark Ward). There were also excellent characterisations from Ian Knight (Professor Marvel/the Wizard) and Virginia Harrington (Wicked Witch of the West), plus a splendid cameo from Guy Trevelyan-Martin as the Gatekeeper.
But somehow, despite the company’s hard work, no real spark came over the footlights and I was left feeling that something indefinable was missing.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemout Daily Echo