Frank Wooles in
NODA News Spring 2003

And off down the Yellow Brick Road to the Howardian Centre, Cardiff. to join Dorothy in her search for the Wizard of Oz. In a crisp, pacey production by Victor Atkins and a company of youngsters who were so well organised and trained in their routines and performed with such precision and shining enthusiasm, it was a fun trip all the way. Elizabeth Gauder played Dorothy with lovely style and sensitivity and sang well her many numbers.

Excellent character performances by Harry Ferrier (Scarecrow), David Sheehan (The Tin Woodman) and Matthew Atkins as the Cowardly Lion, ensured the laughter never stopped, with good knock-about and clever business. With a multi-decibel laugh, Justine Meade was suitably horrendous as the Wicked Witch of the East and equally unpleasant as the nasty Almira Gultch, whilst Helen Clarke was a warm and mumsy Auntie Em and a triumphant goodie, Witch of the North.

Ben Francis as Uncle Henry and the Emerald Guard, Danny Champken as Professor Marvel and the elusive Wizard of Oz, performed well and there was good support in the many minor roles and in the varied and colourful characters within the Munchkins. But Truffle, as Dorothy’s dog, Toto, must surely win the Golden Bone award for a performance of show-stealing placid tolerance.

Musically well supported by a small combo under musical director, Matthew Brind, and with simple, but effective sets and colourful costumes by Just Fancy and Marigold this was a well staged and performed presentation of this attractiveand popular show.

It has been a busy and exciting year for the Society who last July undertook an exchange visit to Kawaguchi in Japan to perform at the International Festival Fusion. And then went on to play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival their newly commissioned musical, Gold Woman, which received four star reviews. Long may your success, enthusiasm and energy continue.

And more...