Join Orbit Theatre Ltd at the New Theatre Cardiff on a journey down the yellow brick road to the magical land of Oz.
Orbit is one of Cardiff’s leading amateur theatre groups putting on musicals for over five decades; they’re “one of the few outlets in Cardiff that gives non-professionals the chance to get involved in professional theatre, meaning that Orbit is not only living the dream, but making dreams come true….”
After a very difficult 24 months, they make their comeback to the stage with a production of the 122-year-old story of The Wizard of Oz.
When entering the auditorium, you will be wowed at the amazing sight of the yellow brick road, which has been constructed around the orchestra pit – bringing the story even closer to the audience.
The production has been brought into the twenty first century with the use of computer projection graphics along with lighting effects to represent the storm that sweeps through Kansas. We join Dorothy and Toto over the rainbow along with her newfound friends Scarecrow (who wants a brain), Tin-man (who wants a heart) and a cowardly lion (in search of courage) to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz; but beware along the way there might be lions and tigers and bears – oh my!
Dorothy’s journey won’t be easy after her house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, setting in motion the journey to the Emerald City. No fun filled family performance is without its bad guy (or woman in this case), with The Wicked Witch of the West in search of her sister’s famous Ruby Slippers that seem to have chosen a new owner. The on-stage costume change is so smooth that like us you might actually miss it happening.
With classic songs such as ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ you’ll be singing and clapping along to this family classic. I know we were and so did most of the audience!
Taking up the role of Dorothy Gale is local rising star Sophie Baker from Cardiff, having started her journey with Orbit at the age of 11. Her vocals and renditions of the story’s classics were spot on, and was a notable favourite with the audience.
Although all of the characters had their merits, Matthew Preece as the lovable Lion was also a firm favourite of ours. Daniel Ivor Jones as Scarecrow was very charming, and offered a laugh along with young members of the audience.
Sophie is also joined on stage with the highly talented, Fran Hudd as Tin-Man, the wonder Deryn Grigg in her fifth appearance as the Wicked Witch of the West, Paige Hodgson as Glinda/ Aunty Em, Lewis Cook as Professor Marvel/ Wizard and Joe Green as Uncle Henry/ Gatekeeper.
This production of Oz brings with it a wealth of talent to the stage, including 58 young people (all named in the programme), all whom dazzle with their performances. It’s great to see the audience being so supportive and engaged, especially when there are undoubtedly a lot of nerves on opening day. Involving such a large number of young people is always highly unusual, but no doubt it will help to inspire the next generation of performers, which Orbit firmly believes in.
This talented cast is joined the adorable Ella as Toto, but as you can imagine with a live dog on stage (which was a lovely surprise), she didn’t always want to go along with the performance. It must be very difficult with all the noise and bright lights, even with her training at RADA (Royal Academy of Doggie Arts), she has big paws to follow in.
The production wouldn’t be complete without the wonderful Orbit Theatre Orchestra and the hard work put in by the creative team behind the scenes. From multi-layered staging that shows a wonderful use of stage depth to the beautiful costumes and choreography.
What a way to end the Easter half term with the family!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is showing at Cardiff’s New Theatre until Saturday. Tickers start from £15 and are available at the NewTheatreCardiff.co.uk or via the box office: 0343 310 0041.
