With Storm Dennis hard on the heels of Ciara, we could all
be forgiven for thinking we were not in Kansas anymore this weekend. Luckily
the weather didn’t stop audiences getting to see the twister onstage at St
Helens Theatre Royal, as their half-term panto The Wizard of Oz flew in.
Several of the same cast members return to reprise their
roles from last Easter’s staging of the show, and they have lost absolutely
none of their energy and fun, whilst there has been a freshening up of Si
Foster’s wickedly funny text to ensure it’s as sharp as ever.
Mia Molloy’s Dorothy is in even better form than before,
really giving full voice to the big musical numbers she has to deliver. Her
Over the Rainbow is an absolute showstopper. Joining her again on the Yellow
Brick Road are Reece Sibbald and Harry Moore as the Scarecrow and Tin Man.
Sibbald carries the greatest weight of the comedy in the show and his skill in
keeping everything moving is extraordinary. As there is no Dame in the story,
he also serves up some of the panto staples, including an audience participation
scene looking forward to next Easter’s show, and wrangling a number of small
children in a rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In.
Timothy Lucas, who wowed Christmas audiences as PC Noodle in
Aladdin, steps into the fur suit as the Cowardly Lion. Lucas is both a very
physical performer and quite a vocal gymnast, and he has huge fun with the
part. Samantha Palin drips evil with every step as the Wicked Witch, and is nicely
paired with Abigail Middleton’s feisty Glinda the Good. James Lusted returns as
the Wizard, to be roundly ribbed by Sibbald, and the incomparably professional
pooch Buddy is back as Toto.
There is strong support from the company of young dancers,
who have added some surprising new tricks to their choreography for this
staging. Meanwhile Callum Clarke’s musical arrangements mix old and new tunes
together, ensuring that there are plenty of familiar numbers from the film
score.
There being nothing inherently Christmassy about The Wizard
of Oz, it’s a great choice for half term, and Foster’s version of the story is
a very skilful blend of the original storyline and the panto format.
The Wizard of Oz is brilliant fun for all the family and it runs
at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 23rd February.
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| Mia Molloy, Reece Sibbald and Buddy - Photo (c) David Munn |
Star Rating: Four stars
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