Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the magic of Oz MVC News
For three nights the staff and students took the audience behind the curtain to the magical land of Oz.
Jenny Elliot, as Dorothy, brought a command to the stage beyond her years and led us all by the hand along the yellow brick road. Her motley crew of Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, showed both the humour and touching innocence of the characters admirably. EmmaTaylor’s performance of the Scarecrow was both humorous and thoughtful, while Alex Farrow convincingly showed both the strength and emotion of Tin Man. Faith Crockford was, at times, in danger of stealing the show as her comedic performance of Lion brought much mirth to those watching. Due credit should also go to Stephanie Davison, whose performance of the Wicked Witch of the West was outstanding, particular mention must go to her cackle and screams which remained reverberating around the hall even after she’d had been melted by the heroes. All cast members should be proud of their performances, with Glinda (Sophie Jelley), Oz (Ben Nicholls), Aunt Em (Ellie Harris) and Uncle Henry (Harvey Magee), as well as the chorus, supporting Dorothy extremely well throughout the performance. As well as witnessing an excellent standard of acting from the students, the audience were treated to an immersive experience of both Kansas and Oz. The creative use of the hall around the audience, representing Kansas and the lair of the Wicked Witch, allowed for a richer experience, most notable perhaps was the leaf blower stand-in for the tornado! In addition, the beautiful set painted by MVC staff and students, CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West. alongside thoughtful touches from Julie Smith (parent of former students “It was a great experience for me, as I’m towards the end of my education at Alderney and Aaron Smith), brought the Land of Oz and the glittering Emerald MVC. It was so much fun to play the Tin Man, and I was thrilled to play a lead City to life. This was truly an all- school effort, as staff and students worked for role, except for the silver make up!” – Alex Farrow. weeks to paint the set to give it an extremely professional look. “The Wizard of Oz was an amazing experience and we became a team. I can’t Not to be outdone by actors and sets, the student technical team (assisted by wait for next year.” – Rebecca Thomas. Head of Science Cat Rich) brought a level of professionalism and order that “The Wizard of Oz was one of the best experiences I’ve had and it really assisted in the success of the production. expanded my acting skills.” - Stephanie Davison. The performance was directed and choreographed by drama teacher Catherine “It was so fun, I loved it. Something I definitely want to do!” – Faith Crockford. Nicholls and dance teacher Jill Douglas, who once again proved that student Staff were also impressed: productions are well worth the time and effort taken by all to bring them to the “The Set, Make up, Costumes, acting – were all amazing, the production was stage. fantastic. It was so clever. It exceeded our expectations of a ‘school play! Wow!” A huge thank you goes to them for the many hours spent with students and Lynn Gregory, Bridget Rogerson, Paula Froggatt (catering team). behind the scenes putting the show together. “My family and I had a really enjoyable night out. Lots of highlights such as leaf Many thanks are also extended to those who journeyed with us through Kansas blowers, witches up scaffolding and amazing performances’ John Holder (Head of and to Oz; their support, as ever, is extremely important to everyone at Melbourn Village College. Maths) All that remains is for us to ask, having been taken to the golden age of America “The enthusiasm, commitment and energy that the students and staff gave to this in Grease, the streets of London in Oliver! and the avenues of the Emerald City in wonderful musical shone through. It was brilliant!” Sarah Hallam (Head of Year 7). The Wizard of Oz, just where will we all be taken next? Bethany Tobutt, English and Media teacher
WELL WORTH THE EFFORT: The whole cast and crew worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the production.
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