This is a production for children of all ages and that is the criteria by which it must be assessed. Packed with effects, full of colour and puppets galore it was difficult to find the real actors, of which there are only eight, although you would be forgiven in thinking there were many more. The music was noisily adequate although the singing was at times not up to what should have been expected for such well known numbers as “Somewhere over the rainbow”. However, the director Jude Kelly assembled the help of many artist craftsmen to fill the stage with what was required for a children’s entertainment

The story of a young girl caught up in a Kansas whirlwind and its magical after effects is well known, and it paves the way for many mythical creatures to help the girl Dorothy make her way along the yellow brick road. They do battle with witches in an attempt to allow Dorothy to make her way home with a little help from the Wizard of Oz. Charlie Hayes plays Dorothy Gale with the help of Toto, her mischievous puppet dog. The Scarecrow is played by Simon Quarterman, with Ken Bradshaw as the Tin Man and Tony Timberlake brings his magnificent singing voice to the part of the lion. All give their everything to making their parts work for the audience. Alan Cowen plays Professor Marvel the muddly magician and the real Wizard of Oz.

Enjoyable, but maybe a trifle too long for most people. This show is one that grandparents might like to take their grandchildren to. An excellent programme is available and is packed with information and photographs about the show. © BA

“The Wizard of Oz” is in Leeds from the 5th March, 2001 to the 13th April, 2002.