The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Wizard of Oz
By L Frank Baum
The Royal Shakespeare Company version
With music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg
Background music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and vocal arrangement by Peter Howard
Adapted by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Leslie Adams
Musical director Ivora Rees
16–23 December 2008
Reviewed by Christopher Lacey
By L Frank Baum
The Royal Shakespeare Company version
With music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg
Background music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and vocal arrangement by Peter Howard
Adapted by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay
A Stables Theatre production
Directed by Leslie Adams
Musical director Ivora Rees
16–23 December 2008
Reviewed by Christopher Lacey
The Stables’ Christmas show provided a colourful and entertaining end to the year at the Old Town theatre. Children of all ages enjoyed a great evening of fun and fantasy. With house-full signs out for most performances, director Leslie Adams had good reason to be satisfied with his production, and Ivora Rees’ musical direction was masterly despite limited sight of the cast from her position in the pit.
Based on L Frank Baum’s classic tale and the 1939 MGM movie, and adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy and her dog Toto and their efforts to get home to Kansas. In the course of her journey though the magical land of Oz, Dorothy faces danger from the Wicked Witch of the West, and friendship from the Scarecrow searching for a brain, the Tin Man in need of a heart and the cowardly Lion seeking courage. And what a tornado to launch Dorothy and Toto into Oz! The theatre’s special-effects team had had a field day creating a montage of photos, lights and sound, which dazzled the audience.
In the lead roles, Kirstie Wilde excelled as Dorothy, Thomas Roche as the Scarecrow demonstrated his mastery as a physical actor and dancer, whilst Philip Blurton as the Tin Man again showed his versatility as both actor and singer. Newcomer Leslie Brissett as the Lion was outstanding, with superb comic timing, a strong voice and wonderful nimbleness of movement. Together these key performers made an excellent central team, drawing the audience into the story. In turn, they were well supported by the contrasting witches—the lovely Glinda (Zola Thomas) and the very scary Witch of the West (Paula Leskovitz). It is said never work with animals, but mention must be made of the dog playing Toto—Skansens Zensation, who quite charmed everyone present.
One is always amazed by the efficient and imaginative use of space on the Stables stage, and this show was a major undertaking for the superb backstage builders and crew, with set design by Lindsey Zervakis. The costumes and make-up too were fabulous, accurately recalling the classic movie. My attention was drawn also to the little story-enhancing touches, particularly the talking birds and trees, much in the style of the Muppets.
The Stables should be congratulated for their ambition in presenting this production. All in all it was a delightful evening.
Based on L Frank Baum’s classic tale and the 1939 MGM movie, and adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy and her dog Toto and their efforts to get home to Kansas. In the course of her journey though the magical land of Oz, Dorothy faces danger from the Wicked Witch of the West, and friendship from the Scarecrow searching for a brain, the Tin Man in need of a heart and the cowardly Lion seeking courage. And what a tornado to launch Dorothy and Toto into Oz! The theatre’s special-effects team had had a field day creating a montage of photos, lights and sound, which dazzled the audience.
In the lead roles, Kirstie Wilde excelled as Dorothy, Thomas Roche as the Scarecrow demonstrated his mastery as a physical actor and dancer, whilst Philip Blurton as the Tin Man again showed his versatility as both actor and singer. Newcomer Leslie Brissett as the Lion was outstanding, with superb comic timing, a strong voice and wonderful nimbleness of movement. Together these key performers made an excellent central team, drawing the audience into the story. In turn, they were well supported by the contrasting witches—the lovely Glinda (Zola Thomas) and the very scary Witch of the West (Paula Leskovitz). It is said never work with animals, but mention must be made of the dog playing Toto—Skansens Zensation, who quite charmed everyone present.
One is always amazed by the efficient and imaginative use of space on the Stables stage, and this show was a major undertaking for the superb backstage builders and crew, with set design by Lindsey Zervakis. The costumes and make-up too were fabulous, accurately recalling the classic movie. My attention was drawn also to the little story-enhancing touches, particularly the talking birds and trees, much in the style of the Muppets.
The Stables should be congratulated for their ambition in presenting this production. All in all it was a delightful evening.
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Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
