DIRECTOR: GERALD FLANAGAN
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: BRIAN SKINNER
CHOREOGRAPHER: KAYLEIGH SMITH

The front of the programme read "Gillingham Operatic and Dramatic Society Proudly presents". The Society can indeed be proud of its efforts with the same capital P as used on the programme: from the magnificent tree stumps placed in front of the curtain to the shrinking of the Witch of the West and all points north and south, this was a cracking production!

The large cast appeared at all times to enjoying what they were doing and that enthusiasm rubbed off on the audience who were soon enjoying the magic of this timeless plot.

Scenery, props and effects were spectacular, particular note must be made of the twister scene at the beginning and the cauldron scene towards the end. Perhaps a glimpse of a "yellow brick road" would have been welcomed! Properties, as is usual with this company, were first class. We were sitting in the first row of the raised section and the axe looked positively dangerous in the hands of Tin man. When the Scarecrow took the axe from Tin man the effect was spoiled by Scarecrow not simulating the weight of the axe. If I can be permitted to refer to the rotating bridge as a prop, that was particularly impressive.

A great deal of effort had gone into the make up of the characters and indeed the cast in general. There were no credits in the programme for make up so I assume that the co-ordination came via the Director.

The music department was in the capable hands of that stalwart of the Society, Brian Skinner: I hadn't realised that he was multi-skilled! A small band adequately covered the scoring requirements and they were good at supporting the singers without being over loud. It was an interesting approach to pre-record the chorus singing "Over the Rainbow".

Direction of such a large cast together with the many scene changes was well organised and Gerald Flanagan produced a show which gave a touch of pantomime (meant nicely!) and a fast moving production.

I am informed that Kayleigh Smith was choreographing for the first time for the company. She produced some good efforts and having got this show under her belt, I wish her a long career in this department. The Munchkins' and indeed the principals' movement directions were well thought out and all together the choreography made for a busy and interesting show. However the Glitterbugs movements were somewhat pedestrian when they first appeared but they were soon in full movement and obviously enjoying what they were doing.

I do have one small criticism. I know the plot sufficiently well to realise that some extra phrases crept into the script, perhaps said in the heat of the moment and therefore forgivable. We all know that the rights holders can sometimes become edgy about this. What did I hear: well for instance a reference to "Big Brother"?

Stage management was seamless and Oliver Flanagan and his crew must be congratulated in working so well in the confined space of the stage area. The rocket was particularly impressive.

Costumes were really outstanding and particularly colourful. The fantasy of the story was translated extremely well into the costumes. Congratulations to Joanne Godman and crew for producing such a good costume plot.

Robin Fosdall, had a whale of a time with the lighting. It is particularly welcoming for a Lighting Director to have free rein in a story of fantasy. Some dramatic effects were achieved and the coupling of these effects with the off stage noises when dictated in the plot even had a seasoned reviewer jumping for fright. Goodness knows what effect they were having on the audience.

Dorothy (Leanne Cook) carried her part as the lynchpin of the story extremely well. A good clear speaking and singing voice made for pleasant listening. Together with the trio of scarecrow, tin man and lion, played by John Endicott, John Sansom and Peter Lowe respectively the Society had a strong base for the story to progress. The triumvirate worked together well as a team and the result gave us the benefit of three different characters never out doing each other.

The family "Dorothy" viz. Aunt Em (Julie Richards), Uncle Henry (Bill Law) and Jo (Rebecca Merriman) have difficult roles to portray. Coming right at the beginning of the show they have to set the scene for the rest of the story. They did this well, producing clear voices.

You will forgive me for not mentioning by name every other principal but each gave us their individual parts with clarity and confidence. Clearly some of them had had more experience than others or had a part that gave more opportunity to shine by its very nature. I will mention the Sorceress (Claire Thurston), Witch of the West (Marian Marshall), Lord Growlie (Bernard Plank), Munchkin Coroner/Gloria (Zoey Parkin) and The Wizard (Lee Round) in this regard.

As to the supporting cast of Villagers, Munchkins, Guards and Children, you were the final piece of the jigsaw and you all gave of your best and it was evident from the front that you had been well-directed in the three skills of movement, singing and dance.

Well done everyone! I do hope that you enjoy the remaining performances.

I look forward to coming to see Kiss Me Kate (if invited as President of the Association) in October.

Both Pat and I thank you for your hospitality and friendliness during our visit.

Bob Drywood
Vice President and NODA SE Area Councillor
2006/04/08

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