Wizard of Oz

Tucked into the final week of last term was the triumphant production of The Wizard of Oz from pupils in the first and second year. The show was a wonderful, whimsical adaptation of the film that brought all the joy, spectacle, and wizardry of the film to the Caterham stage. Originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the production fleshes out the original screenplay with additional songs, scenes, and characters featuring anything from dancing crows to the mischievous jiving jitterbug.

The Wizard of Oz has truly stood the test of time and last term’s performance had all the magic of the 1939 screen original. Starting in Kansas, Dorothy (Erin C) is captured in a storm and whisked off to a strange land. Upon arriving she is mistaken for a witch and is sent in the direction of the great Wizard of Oz (Joe L). Along the way, we meet the well-intentioned but thoughtless Scarecrow (Harry D), the hopeful but heartless Tinman (Charlie A), and the famously afraid Lion (Isla T). Upon meeting the wizard, Dorothy is sent to best the Wicked Witch (Annabel B) of the West, who is intent on regaining the ruby slippers and besting Glinda (Stella V-L). This all culminates in a melting Witch, a Wizard revealing his true colours, and a strange sense that maybe it was all a dream?!

The cast all put in a truly impressive performance, from those in the ensemble who shone in every moment they were on stage as Munchkins, Ozians, Trees, Crows or Flying Monkeys, to those who barely left the stage. With comedic nous and spectacular musical numbers, it was an all-round testament to their enthusiasm, ability and hard work.

Making all of this happen was the terrific technical team, helmed by the brilliant Mr. Barnes. Lighting and sound gave the spectacle a wow-factor from dazzling lighting displays in the Jitterbug to a moving, talking Oz.

Congratulations to everyone who took part and contributed in any way. It was a challenging show, but the final resulted exceeded anyone’s expectations, with the audience being treated to an evening of comedy, showmanship, and joy. Well done.

-Mr Froy