The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (June 7, 2.30pm) Worthing Pavilion Theatre
Everyone can walk along the Yellow Brick Road when Dorothy whirls into Worthing.
Image Theatre Company visit Worthing on June 7 with a new style of children’s show which gives children over five the chance to walk along the Yellow Brick Road, meet the Wizard of Oz or quake in fear at the Wicked Witch of the West.
The company have created a fully participatory version of Frank Baum’s classic novel, featuring new songs and the chance for everyone to take part. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion as they go in search of the Emerald City after Dorothy gets transported to their magical land in a cyclone.
The show begins with a light-hearted half hour rehearsal during which up to twelve children are chosen to rehearse separate parts while the rest of the audience are taught the choruses of four songs. During the interval the actors and children are costumed and the show, lasting 1 hour, runs seamlessly with everyone taking part as rehearsed and discovering whether Dorothy ever manages to get home to Kansas.
Image Theatre Company adapt popular classic stories and plays into musicals for children. Since 1993 they have written and produced fifteen new family-participation musicals as well as full-length adult musical versions of Vanity Fair, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Jane Eyre and most recently Wuthering Heights. Each musical has been part of a long-term programme to produce a new full length musical each spring and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is their most recent adaptation.
Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing. BN11 3PX
Thursday June 7 - 2.30pm
Tickets: £8, family of four £40
Box offices: at the Connaught and Pavilion Theatres
01903 206 206
www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
