Edinburgh Fringe 2024
The Wizard of Oz
Flying High Young Company
Genre: Youth Theatre
Venue: theSpace @ Niddry Street
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
The Flying High Young Company present The Wizard of Oz in a new and creative version. The musical is the story of Dorothy, who is swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado. Dorothy embarks on a journey to find her way back home, along with three characters she encounters: The Tin Woodman, A Lion and a Scarecrow.
Review
The Wizard of Oz. The name evokes memories of Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, and Jack Haley, all film stars long before the members of the Flying High Young Company were born. Mounting this classic would have been challenging for the young company, but they rose to the challenge and provided a very entertaining and imaginative rendition.
The actors are from the Flying High Young Company, part of Flying High Expressive Arts CIC. It is an award winning, inclusive community theatre arts company that provides workshop and performance opportunities for local people of all ages in Nottingham. Flying High Young Company trains young people from age 16 – 19. The Wizard of Oz is their 15th production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and sports a cast of 17. The mandate for students is ‘Be Brave, Be Kind, Be Yourself’. That is a perfect fit for the message of The Wizard of Oz.
The musical is the story of Dorothy, who, with her dog Toto, is swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado. “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”, is one of the most famous lines from the original film. Dorothy embarks on a journey to find her way back home. She is told to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz, where the Great Wizard will find a solution to
Along the Yellow Brick Road she encounters three characters: the Tin Woodman, a Lion and a Scarecrow. Each has their own challenge: the Tin Woodman needs a heart, the Lion needs courage, and the Scarecrow needs a brain. They meet Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, who advises that the magical, mystical Wizard of Oz can grant their wishes and return Dorothy to Kansas to reunite with her family. So they set off joyfully together for the Emerald City to discover a solution.
However, they are foiled by the Wicked Witch of the West, who is out for revenge against Dorothy because Dorothy’s house landed on the Witch’s sister during the tornado. At every turn, the minions of the Wicked Witch are determined to stop Dorothy and her new-found friends.
The troupe lands in Oz and is given an audience with the Wizard. He sends them on a task to retrieve the broomstick of the Wicked Witch. The ensuing journey is fraught with challenges. There is a positive resolution in the end, and an eye-opening discovery about people not being who they purport to be.
This version varies from the original. It is shorter, in order to fit into the one-hour format of Edinburgh Fringe. There is an environmental spin, where the Emerald City is now portrayed with sustainable living, including wind turbines, electric cars, and recycling. And it is carbon neutral.
The story is told in song. This innovative production introduces four excellent, original songs by actor/musician/Music Director Jack Quarton, who is a former member of the company and is currently of the company’s directors.
‘Just One Road’ links the journey to the Emerald City on the yellow brick road similar to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”. “Gotta Be Green” is a song with a modern twist as the troupe creates an Emerald City that is sustainable, ecological and is green. “Wicked Like Me” opens the witch’s scene with references to the witches in Macbeth and a nod to Wicked the Musical. “I Never Knew’ is the finale of the show that reaches out to the audience to encourage them to think about taking chances. The message is that change and growth can happen for anyone as it has done for Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Lion.
The production is enhanced by colourful props and costumes plus a beautifully painted backdrop.
It is truly a delight to experience the enthusiasm and dedication of these budding artists, who play multiple parts with quick costume changes. Each one brings life to their characters in a charming and unique way. Every performer delivers their lines convincingly. They work well together as an ensemble, understanding the dynamics across the staging. They are very well-rehearsed and know how to engage the children with the story and audience interaction.
This is a show for all ages, but will especially tickle the kids. Follow the Yellow Brick Road ….to this fun and imaginative production of a favourite musical.
Some company members may pursue a career in acting and performing, or may simply enjoy theatre. Whatever their aspirations, Flying High supports them to achieve their goals. An Edinburgh Fringe performance will help them gain the confidence and experience to continue to take part in the theatre community. Big applause for the directors and organizers for bringing these young people together in a positive, nurturing, exciting environment – and for providing audiences a truly enjoyable theatre experience.
