10:37am Saturday 20th February 2010
By Stan Meares
THE Wizard of Oz is absolutely the right fare for the multitude of talents available in the Wycombe Swan Youth Theatre.
This consists of about 80 young people on stage, let alone those back stage, aged between 8 and 19. Production, direction, musical direction, choreography and so on are handled by adult professionals who obtain remarkable results.
Based and adapted from a much loved “vintage” film, and sensibly using the Royal Shakespeare Company’s version, so successful on the South Bank about five years ago, The Wizard of Oz is a marvellous show that can be taken on different levels.
There is the delightful adventurous musical play, with good tunes (at least two very well known ones), and an entertaining plot that carries it along at a rapid pace.
Yet underlying the surface are depression-days Kansas and philosophical thoughts on such matters as personal intelligence, valour, sympathy and respect for others. These fit unobtrusively into the overall amusing plot-structure, and do not detract from the popular image nor the fun and enjoyment.
The role of Dorothy must be daunting, following on Judy Garland's famous portrayal. However from the early moment when she sang ”Somewhere over the rainbow”, Emily Apps really was Dorothy to the tee, giving as good a performance as one has seen from this Group in many years.
Of the fine supporting cast, Layton Warhurst (Scarecrow) and Oliver Longstaff (Cowardly Lion) stood out, but the valued contributions of Laura Belardo (Wicked Witch), Simon Dawson (the fake Wizard) and Ben Bushell (Tin Woodsman) probably led the rest of the field.
As for the dedicated well rehearsed chorus I cannot give anything but the utmost praise, though if I have to highlight any group - it must be the four Crows, six Trees and the Jitterbugs as a whole.
To conclude, the supporting stage management, sound and lighting were all to a high standard - the effects of the tornados were near to alarming : the floorboards actually shook. First night nerves and mishaps were marginal and I recommend that you see it if you possibly can.
The Wizard of Oz continues today at the Wycombe Town Hall at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. The last performance is tomorrow at 2.30pm. Tickets from the Wycombe Swan ticket office 01494 512000
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