In choosing the stage version of "Oz" for its 113th production, the society wanted to encourage its Junior Theatre Workshop by having the youngsters take part in a full-scale adult production. This confidence in the children proved well founded at last night's opening performance.

Under the direction of Irene Bowers, with Graham Edgington in charge of choreography, Walmsley's "Oz" had much to commend it, not least the all-round performance of Lindsay Jackson as Dorothy. In the fairy story, Dorothy has the qualities of leadership, and so does Lindsay.

Her three companions on the Yellow Brick Road, Scarecrow (Stanley Collinson), Tinman (David Wilson) and Lion (Colin Crompton) supported her with highly individual performances. There were other distinguished performances including a scary Wicked Witch of the West by Nicola Worrall, whose make-up was a masterpiece, and a fine portrayal of the Wizard - before and after exposure - from Harry Lee.

The chorus is to be congratulated on some good backing to Dorothy's lead which had clarity and good musical sense. Once again, Walmsey's stage staff produced some stunning scenery, the best being the river scene as Dorothy and Scarecrow try to find Munchkinland and the stylish forest scene in which the Jitterbugs appear. Some of the mobile scenery was perhaps too ambitious, but, no doubt, any snags will be sorted before the week is out. I liked the idea of the Dr Who police box used as the means for Dorothy's eventual return to Kansas.

The wardrobe mistress (Anne Windsor), properties and make-up (Sulwyn Mann) combined to make this one of the year's most colourful productions. The audience left the theatre last night whistling and humming the popular tunes, always a good portent. A festive feel has come early to Walmsley.

Doreen Crowther

Produced by Irene Bowers, this was a delightful show which provided the opportunity to bring together the society's junior and senior groups. It also allowed what is one of the best backstage teams in the area an opportunity to devise imaginative scenery. They duly produced some stunning sets, flying houses (although its trajectory was not quite what was expected), revolving bridges, stylised forests, large bubbling cauldron, electric gismos, etc., etc., Splendid stuff!

The amalgamation of the seniors and the juniors was, however, not quite the success it might have been. Whilst the principals were very good, the choreography of the chorus and juniors left a little to be desired. For a show which should have an abundance of Munchkinland jollity, the chorus was remarkably subdued - smiling should be obligatory in such a place.

The trios of Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow were played by Colin Crompton, David Wilson and Stanley Collinson. Colin was an extremely cuddly, excessively cowardly Lion, David a Tin Man with a touch of the John Inmans (as well as the rust) and Stanley the West Country, rubber-legged Scarecrow.

Nicola Worrall as the splendid green-faced Wicked Witch of the West and Glenys Collinson as the Sorceress of the North gave their all to the more pantomime aspects of the show. The undoubted success was Lindsay Jackson as Dorothy. The society has certainly found an excellent talent here. Vocally good, with a well-maintained accent, her general stage presence was excellent.

The smaller parts of Lord Growlie and Uncle Henry (Norman Bowers) the Wizard (Harry Lee) Visiting Witches (Paula Williams and Joyce Walters) and Tibia (Roger Higginbottom) all complemented the production.

The makeup department, led by Sulwyn Mann, excelled itself, costumes were very colourful and the musical accompaniment was provided by J. Arnold Thornton and Fred Taylor, with David Perks taking the baton for the first time. A nice show, great scenery and principals, but the chorus never quite put the Whiz in the Wizard.

Glyn Neary