Wizard of Oz - The Pantomime

ALISON CROOSE

> King's Lynn Arts Centre

The Yellow Brick Road has changed a lot since Judy Garland trod it in the classic film – now you are likely to bump into a pantomime dame and hear lots of hissing and booing and corny jokes along the way.

This was Wizard of Oz – The Pantomime, King's Lynn Operatic and Dramatic Society's seasonal offering which thoroughly entertained an enthusiastic audience.

Even if some of the magic of the original tale is underplayed in the modern version, the loveable central characters are there. The Scarecrow (Adam Howard) demonstrated great comedy skills and teamed up well with the cowardly Lion (Malcolm Baker) and Tinman (David Lebourn) who join Dorothy, confidently played by 13-year-old Jasmine Walder, on her journey to see the wizard.

The wicked witch, Andrea Newstead quickly established herself as the character the audience loved to hate, while her sister witches (Carol Chaplin and Jenny Coleman) proved more amiable.

Traditional pantomime dame Wayne Duncan held centre stage as Aunt Em while Jo Manning and Laura Nice played the Prince and Princess destined to live happily ever after.

It was a colourful production with a strong chorus – and dog which nearly stole the show.