Wizard of Oz - The Pantomime

A magical Panto is switching some of its all-action adventure from the American Mid West to the North Norfolk coast.

Sheringham Little Theatre’s Wizard of Oz will see Dorothy and her trusty dog Toto follow the yellow brick road on an adventure that starts in the seaside town.

She and her three companions have taken on new personas to suit the setting – ranging from a fast food worker and steam train driver, to a Morris dancer and lifeboatman.

Writer, director, and actor playing the Lion, Nick Earnshaw said: “We wanted to give the show a really local flavour as it heads off to the Land of Oz. There’s some great Sheringham scenery and references, along with modern twists, plus music ranging from current songs to 80s power ballads.

“It’s lots of fun for all the family, and for kids we’ve got Minecraft, K Pop Demon Hunters and the Six Seven craze – thanks to my 11-year-old son Archie who is my unofficial script advisor.

“The story is also an uplifting one of self-discovery, as characters looking for qualities they think they don’t have realise they have got them after all.”

Nick last played the Lion 25 years ago, as a teenager back in his native Staffordshire. He is joined in the six-strong professional cast by Megan Brice from Wroxham who is Dorothy, Charlie Randall from near Aylsham as Scarecrow, and Steven Rostance from Birmingham as Tin Man.

Oliver Westlake, whose parents live in Southrepps, is Glinda the Good Witch and Alexandra Parkes from Staffordshire is the Wicked Witch of the West. 

Local amateur youngsters are Munchkins, while behind the scenes, husband and wife musical duo Ron Sayer and Charlotte Joyce from North Walsham are musical director and vocal coach, while Sheringham-based dance school boss Tom Withington is choreographer.

The show runs from December 13 to January 4 (2 performances each day). For tickets visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347. The venue is also staging an adult Panto Sinderella (strictly over 18s) from January 4-12.