Reviewed by Ceri Horner
June 2012
The Wizard of Oz is a fantasy tale that has delighted young and old for over 100 years and the current Therry production directed by Patsy Thomas does just that.
Leah Potter is successful as Dorothy in spite of a rather lack lustre rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Potter is joined on her Yellow Brick Road journey by Chico Scharber who makes an adorable but often uncooperative Toto and a superb trio of travellers the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow.
Tom Bayford is thoroughly enjoyable as the Cowardly Lion. Lee Cook makes a terrific Tin Man and Sean Fliert delights as a wonderfully physically flexible Scarecrow. The trio work very well together getting plenty of laughs from the adults and hamming it up for the kids.
Shona Benson is perfectly evil as the Wicked Witch of the West. Norman Caddick as the Wizard and Emily Schwab as Glinda the Good Witch offer great support, while the large chorus are enthusiastic and enjoyable to watch but are at times almost inaudible.
Marie Dineen and her large team of dressmakers have created some spectacular costumes and the choreography by Brenton Tiver is well drilled making the Merry Old Land of Oz a highlight.
Find the time to go see the wizard, a wonderful Wizard of Oz indeed.
