The Wiz

Take a cast of about 80, supported by a team of another 40 behind the scenes, stir in a choir and orchestra, add music, sprinkle with a large pinch of enthusiasm, leave to brew during weeks of hard work and you have a successful potion called The Wiz -- The Young Theatre Workshop's musical based on The Wizard of Oz.

Even to tackle such a show is praiseworthy, but to bring it off so well is nothing short of amazing. The director, Mark Britton, did a superb job assisted by excellent stage stage who brought his ideas to fruition. The very original Wizard's set was enhanced by good lighting and effects but, most of all, I must mention the costumes - they were stunning!

On the musical side, congratulations are due to Chris Gater and Lynn Anderson for a very high standard of singing and dancing. ... ... As Dorothy, Lisa Gater was charming and managed not to get swamped by her three leading men Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion, played by those stalwarts of the Young Theatre, Mike Wicherek, Mark Oldknow and Paul Bacon. Among the smaller roles, all of which were excellent, the six crows were quite outstanding.

So were there any faults? Yes, just a few - but compared with the overwhelming sucess, they are not worth mentioning.