When I was little, I used to tell people my name was Dorothy Gale…. I remember the first time I saw the Wizard of oz and that I’d been transported to the Emerald City….

Tonight I went back there.

Even before the curtain opened you knew where you were about to land. From the green lit curtains to the beautiful display on the apron of the stage. A large book with OZ written on it, a rainbow and some flower pots got you straight in the mood.

Considering it’s a children’s story ( or is it?) I felt it a real shame that more of the Island’s children were not in the audience to see this wonderful group. However for a short while I think everyone in the stalls was once again a child and happy to be told the story by such a captivating cast!

As the curtain opens we are introduced to Dorothy, played by Sarah Louise McEvoy. With her loyal dog Toto played by Martin Sullivan you knew this would be a pairing you would enjoy. Sarah’s constant smile showed she really enjoyed this role and that in turn made sure we did too. Aunty Em and Uncle Henry played by Lisa Carter and Ashleigh Jones added to the family feel as we learn that Dorothy wants something else… always being told to do her chores or help out in the farm, I liked the way they were all included in “Over The Rainbow” showing maybe even as adults we want an escape from life and its tasks.

There was a great use of silky material being waved by the cast as Dorothy and Toto enter the twister and there behind them, as they landed were all of our favourite characters stood waiting!

There was much excitement as the audience spotted the iconic costumes, from the Tin Man’s suit, Glinda’s crown to the Wicked Witch’s green skin. We too had been taken by that twister into Oz.

First Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, played by Sam Michie. The coolest Scarecrow I’ve ever seen. Played with a natural ease and needing a brain he joins her to meet the Wizard.

Entering to “ boos” from the audience, the Wicked Witch played by Rachael Stone ended up stealing the show for me. Her use of facial expression and “I’ll put a spell on you” hands was simply wonderful! She defintely had us all under her spell!

The Tin man was superb (Alex Westmore) and his timing perfect with his hollow chest thumps and beating heart!

The cowardly Lion played by Justine Watson was adorable. All that lion needed was a massive hug and a friend along the way. A perfect casting for this character.

As the first half came to a close I particularly liked that the cast walked up stage to the Wizard as if we were still going with them on the journey. I wanted to stand up and shout “Wait for me”.

We are now in the Emerald City….. it’s all nice and dandy till the Wicked Witch appears and makes everyone fall asleep with her spell! A great rendition of Hushaby Mountain singing them all to slumber. We are then woken and saved by Glinda whose costume twinkled and shone at every turn. A very clear and beautiful performance from Catherine Coeshott.

One of the highlight for me was “ the Jitterbug” song. Cut from the original film it was so nice to see this put into First Act stage show!

What can I say about the Wizard? Aaron Danvers-Jukes was certainly a wizard who will serve. Known well to the audience, as he came on to cheers and applause and quite rightly so. As he sang “If I ruled the world” I think every one of us were touched by the line “ every voice would be a voice to be heard” .

First Act has done it again! Stunning costumes, great interpretation of the story, uplifting songs, but mostly giving these talented actors a space to be valued, encouraged and applauded.

Special mention must go to the actors themselves. Too many to name but each one a joy to watch. A nod must also go to the support staff who clearly enjoyed the Journey as much as they did.

I thought I couldn’t love this story more than I did….. but I now do. Thankyou First Act.

I’ll leave you with the words of L. Frank Baum… (a little altered) “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than First Act at Shanklin Theatre; because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.”

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Review by Hanna Emily Nixon