Wizard of Oz Review by Lynn Carroll

August 8, 2025

Photography by Tim Browne

I am never usually stuck for words, in fact I am known for using a hundred when ten would suffice. But here I am, about to write this review, wondering how on earth I can put into words what I saw on the stage of the Palace Theatre last night.

So let’s begin with a few that immediately spring to mind: Brilliant, wonderful, professional, amazing, stunning, in fact all the superlatives in the dictionary cannot adequately describe this fantastic musical.

You may wonder why I am so enthusiastic with my praise, so I will tell you. As is often the case I went along to The Palace ‘blind’ as I prefer to do. This way I have no pre-conceived idea of what to expect, though admittedly I did know this was an amateur production and as such I wasn’t expecting too much. Just a few minutes in and I truly believed I had been misinformed...no way could this be considered amateur. In fact during the interval I had to seek out a member of the theatre management to confirm that it was and what I was told left me stunned to say the least.

This Summer’s Youth Project began just eleven days prior to opening night. I understand it is a yearly event where young people from nine to nineteen are invited to audition and then take part in the chosen production. During this time they not only rehearsed but helped make and paint scenery, helped to make costumes and props and took part in every aspect of putting on a show which in this case was of the highest calibre. I am not ashamed to admit that whilst being told all this I shed a tear because the end product was as good as any professional musical show I have seen.

When I consider how long it takes for professional actors, writers, crew to be ready to take to the stage it was hard to believe this had been achieved in just eleven days. Such a shame that it’s run is a mere four days.

Every young person on that stage deserves praise and it feels wrong to single out any for a special mention. But that is the nature of theatre, the lead roles and the actors playing them are in the spotlight for good reason and I have to say it is hard to pick just one or two to give a special mention. In so doing it does not mean that the other cast members were lacking in any way, they all played their parts to perfection, but I did so love watching the Scarecrow. His flexibility in flopping around the stage as a man made of straw was impeccable, his facial expressions never wavered as they were delivered with a foolish grin and perplexed mind.

Dorothy had the voice of an angel, not a note out of place. The lion lacking courage convinced us absolutely of his fearful cowardice with humour and pathos. The Tin Man without a heart showed us some nice little dance moves and acting talent. I wish I could mention them all as none fell short and all excelled.

I especially loved the bubbles gently blowing over the audience, cast members who ran amongst us and the little phrases of humour on current affairs. The props were the best I have seen at The Palace and the tornado scene where Dorothy is whisked off to Oz were cleverly done. Sound quality was excellent too. Costumes were also a feast for the eyes and I cannot comprehend the dedication and hard work involved to get this production to the stage.

I could go on, it seems I have found plenty of words, but I must use a few more to also congratulate all those involved in working with these young people, mentoring and directing and giving them an opportunity that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Well done everyone.