The Wiz

Review by Tessa Davies, Regional Councillor from NODA East
Performed at Thalian Hall, Welwyn on Friday 1 June 2023 at 7:30pm

I was really looking forward to this production, the Wiz is one of my favourite shows and I have directed it in the distant past. I was not disappointed, the cast were very good, with some very strong singers who delivered the ‘rock’ score very well.

The venue is a very small and intimate space and the Director, Mandy Sayers, used the stage and surrounding areas to great effect. The different levels on and off stage made the production interesting, and the pace was kept up very well.

Dorothy, played by Jenny Lewin was very good, just the right amount of innocence and enthusiasm and a lovely strong voice. It s a shame that her costume was a little bit bland but we could see past that to the excellent performer that she clearly is.

The three accompanying characters were all very good, Carl Robinson (Scarecrow) delivered an excellent characterisation. Clive Dancey (Tin Man) was a delight and a great voice too. Adam Beckman (Lion) was terrific, with some great characterisation and excellent stage presence.

The supporting characters were all very strong, Addaperle (Amy Knowles) was lovely and quirky. Tammy Wall doubled up as Glinda and the Wicked Witch and showed us two completely different characters. She has a terrific voice, beautifully suited to both types of song. Peter Sayers (The Wiz) delivered a good performance, making the character likeable. Alison Downes (Gatekeeper) was also very good, appearing in a number of different scenes and showing a great character. Louise Bateman was an empathetic Aunt Em, setting the scene at the start of the show.

The ensemble worked very hard at several different characters, I loved the Munchkins, the Crows, the Poppies and the Flying Monkeys. It is said that show is not a show without the ensemble and this is so true, they provided great support and entertainment. I liked the way the Pit singers were used in the various scenes. The choreography was good, challenging but well executed, although the Poppies were a little hesitant at one stage.

Scenery was simple but very effective. As I have already mentioned, I would have liked to see Dorothy dressed so that she stood out a bit more. But some of the costumes were really good, in particular Addaperle, the Gatekeeper, Glinda, Tinman, Scarecrow. The Munchkin ladies’ spotty skirts were lovely, but the tops did not quite match up to them. I understand that, as is often the case, the show was produced on a very small budget. This show really needs immaculate, quirky costumes to demonstrate the character of the production. Having said that, the overall impression of the show was colourful and lively. Lighting and sound were spot on.

The four piece band were very good, directed by Peter Farrell, they produced a good sound without drowning the vocals.

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and I was well looked after by the Front of House team, my thanks to the society for a lovely evening’s entertainment.

Director – Mandy Sayers
Choreographer– Mandy Sayers and Tammy Wall
Musical Director – Peter Farrell