Panto review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz @ Library Theatre, Darwen (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Panto review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz @ Library Theatre, Darwen

9:32am Monday 14th December 2009 in Stage By John Anson, Features editor

FOLLOW the yellow brick road to Darwen over the next couple of weeks to enjoy a fabulous alternative to the traditional pantomime.

Everyone’s favourite family works beautifully as a family show in the intimate surroundings of the Library Theatre with a talented cast bringing the story to life.

At less than two hours, with an interval, it’s just the right length for youngsters and there’s so much in it from songs to comedy they will be enthralled from the first minute.

This home grown production, from PMA Productions, is one of the company’s best yet, keeping the tale of Dorothy, the Tin man et al at the centre of the action.

Victoria Gavin is perfect as the girl who wants to get back to Kansas and gives a great rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

The Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow make a great team and Stevie Smallwood as the Scarecrow proved a massive favourite with the kids.

The show has everything you’d want including comically sounding Munchkins, a suitable nasty Wicked Witch played by Lucy Read and even a real Toto.

This timeless classic has been truly brought to life.

* The Wonderful Wizard of Oz runs until Christmas Eve.

Details from the box office on 01254 706006.