Geoff and I have been to see several Limelight productions over the past few years. This years production ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is one of the first full productions to have a full run at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline and is utilising the full ‘fly in’ capability of this huge stage. The production is also fairly high tech with several clever projections for the twister, the travel to Oz and other scenes.

Vicky Robertson is Dorothy who is blessed with the very typical looks associated with the character. Her strong voice is a pleasure to listen to. Not only has Vicky to cope with remembering her lines, interacting with the other cast members but she has to perform with and look after the scene stealing Sky as Toto.

Aunt Em (Lorraine Dobie) and Uncle Henry (Robin Cook) may only be on stage in character for short periods but they perform very well in these characters.

Kevin Reed as the Scarecrow, this may be his first production with Limelight but his performance pedigree is impressive. I wondered if Kevin has had some dance training, as his movement is superb, his vocal talents are also top level.

David Mutch as the Tinman shows off his singing talent as well as his comic timing as part of the iconic trios of movie history ‘Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion’. David is well known in Fife for both his theatrical and vocal performances.

The final integral part of this trio is the Cowardly Lion played by Greig W.W. Hill. Greig has returned to Limelight after his appearance in “Jeykll & Hyde” he is also no stranger to his animal instincts after playing the Wolf in ‘Into the Woods’. Parts of his characterisation seem to have come directly from the silver scene.

Jacqueline Hannah as the Wicked Witch of the West is creepily scary in her portrayal and although we don’t get to hear her singing voice we get a full representation of her wicked sense of humour.

Also there is Elinor Coulson as Glinda – Good Witch of the North. Elanor’s theatrical history is extremely impressive, she also choreographs and teaches dance. In contrast with the Wicked Witch, Glinda is bright and refreshing with two tiny teeny sparkly little fairies to assist her. Her stage presence is superb.

Michael McFarlane, Stephen Manson and Chris Cain all have small but pivotal character roles in the show.  Christi Orr and Paul Rankin are the ‘Jitterbugs’. The rest of this large cast are made up of a group of adults and three groups of children. One of the advantages of the Alhambra stage is its size, which allows for large casts without it looking cramped.

The show is directed by Bobby Mitchell with Graeme Sharpe as Assistant Director, Clare Stewart as Choreographer, Oliver Kingsley as Musical Director and Willie Sinclair the Company Manager. The back stage crew, orchestra and all company members are too numerous to mention but I would like to commend all those committed devotees who created the hundreds of costumes displayed on stage. 

This is a cleverly worked and well performed production go along to the theatre on the night if you want to see ‘The Wizard of Oz’ which is also the first theatrical production in The Alhambra Theatre since 1926.

Limelight Productions 'The Wizard of Oz'  at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline15th  to  19th  September at 7-15pm and Saturday Matinee 2-15pm 19th September 2009.  The first theatrical production in The Alhambra Theatre stage since 1926.