Standing ovations for the centre stage productions of The Wizard Of Oz

Standing ovations for the centre stage productions of The Wizard Of Oz

Talented members of a unique Sefton drama company scored another big hit with their latest production of a classic American musical fantasy film recently.

The ‘house full’ signs went up outside the auditorium at Bootle’s SPACE arts centre for the three-night run of the Wizard of Oz, which received standing ovations each evening.

The show was presented by a large cast of around 50 performers from across Sefton who belong to the New Centre Stage drama group, run by the borough’s leading adult social care provider, New Directions.

Members of the company include older Sefton residents and other adults with disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health support needs.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s the Wizard of Oz is widely considered to be one of the greatest films in cinema history, and New Centre Stage’s take on the story featured a full line-up of all its most popular characters.

In addition, the production replicated the movie’s transition from the black-and-white Kansas early on, to a riot of colour in the later scenes, when Dorothy is transported to Munchkinland in the Land of Oz.

The show is the latest in a series of successful New Centre Stage productions which have included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, Scrooge and Mamma Mia.

It was directed by New Centre Stage Co-ordinator Vicky Bennett with the support of her colleagues Denise Airey, Veronica Morrison and Pam Pickford.

Vicky commented: “The Wizard of Oz was another outstanding success for the members of our group who were absolutely delighted at the enthusiastic response they received from our audiences.

“The show was the result of many weeks of hard work by the cast, and I am extremely proud of both the commitment and the talent of each and every one of them.

“Obviously presenting such a big production is a challenge, but it’s very rewarding to see the skills and confidence of the performers increase as the weeks of rehearsal go by, and also the real pleasure they get from being involved,” added Vicky.