The Wizard of Oz
One would be hard pushed to find a production that is more true to everyone’s memory of the original than this delightful offering at the Haymarket Theatre.
Its minimal cast, who perform the main roles, give superb performances and what is initially seen as a sparse set is full of surprises, with holographic images and projected backdrops that cleverly add magic and depth of credibility to the variety of scenes.
Most notably, the poppy field is effectively recreated with imaginative projections onto a gauze and the Emerald City glistens with shards of green gemstones.
At this particular performance, Georgina Hendry took the role of Dorothy with a confidence belying her 14 years, working on an equal level to that of the other main characters.
Fifteen-year-old Sydney Aldridge alternates the role and they are both understudied by Ellie Bradshaw.
Jo Castleton is dramatically powerful as the Wicked Witch of the West with Lindsey Lauer as the sickly sweet Glinda the Good Witch.
Ian Harris, Michael Roberts and James Rigby give archetypal performances, fortifying the traditional memories of the Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow respectively.
Andrew Prices completes the cast as Uncle Henry, the eccentric Guard and the Wizard himself.
Production information
- By:
- L Frank Baum, adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
- Composer:
- music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg
- Management:
- Anvil Arts
- Cast:
- Jo Castleton, Lindsey Lauer, Mike Roberts, Ian Harris, Andrew Price, Sydney Aldridge, Georgina Hendry, James Rigby, Juveniles from Kelly Hopkins, Basingstoke Academy, Allenova, Showshack, Jeannine Greville, Stagecoach, On Your Toes, Madeline Kelly, Extremes, Lisa Jane, Orwell
- Director:
- Richard Williams
- Design:
- Janey Gardner
- Lighting:
- Arnim Friess
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Haymarket Basingstoke
- December 6 2007-January 5 2008
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