The Wizard of Oz

So excited to be able to post about this THE WIZARD OF OZ production at the gorgeous Theatre by the Lake.

It’s been a barmy ride set and costume designing this wonderfully madcap show. In our story Dorothy is living with her Auntie in Keswick desperate to escape to London and find her lost father. She finds herself in Oz trying to make it to the wizard with her new friends. Our wizard is much like the influencers teen find online, using technology to sell false dreams with thin lies. Deep down though this production is a fun and touching story of love and friendship.

Sonia Jalaly has written a heart-thumping script with Sarah Punshon bringing it to life with flare and imagination. Glorious lighting by Bethany Gupwell, top-drawer puppetry from Helen Foan, lovely sound from Mark Melville, glorious music from Ziad Jabero and bold movement from Stuart Bowden. A gorgeous cast knock it out the park every night.

Special shout out to my wonderful set and costume team. TopShow came in late and delivered the most spectacular large build and scenic finishes - thanks to Alan, Joanne, Nigel and the whole team there. For costume, the brilliant Anna Souter supervised and Gemma and Rowan delivered wonderful tailoring. Working at Theatre by the Lake has been brilliant. They have a wonderful, hard-working team and popping out from tech to be greeted with one of the best landscapes in the UK is something to behold.

CAST:

Dorothy: Nimi Spiff
Scarecrow: Kira Hayes
Tinwoman: Mia Jerome
Lion: David Kirkbride
Wizard: Michael Hugo
Wicked Witch and Good Witch: Emma Jay Thomas
Toto: Vinnie Monachello
Offstage Swings: Ethan Cooper and Poppy Rowan

DESIGN RELATED CREDITS:

Written by Sonia Jalaly
Directed by Sarah Punshon
Composer and Musical Director - Ziad Jabero
Set and Costume Designer - Yoav Segal
Lighting Designer - Bethany Gupwell
Sound Designer - Mark Melville
Puppet Director and Designer - Helen Foan
Movement Director - Stuart Bowden
Costume Supervisor - Anna Souter
Wardrobe Supervisor - Gemma Reeve
Costume maker - Rowan Pierce
Production manager - Phil Geller
Set Build - TopShow
Props and Set work - Missy Steinbach

MODELBOX:

Here are a few pictures of the model-box:

COSTUME:

A few of the costume drawings: