Get swept into the spirit

Sweets, shouting at the stage, a ghost scene – it’s time for the pantomime says ALIX NORMAN

What other performance will ply you with sweeties, be hand-tailored to the island and encourage you to shout at the actors? Yes, it’s that time of year again, and everyone’s favourite show is coming to town: pantomime. With a number of theatre groups aiming their Christmas production at the young and young-at-heart, it’s ACT’s show that’s the grandfather of them all. For over 20 years, the group’s extravaganza of entertainment has been the delight of the season, and the next two weekends will see audiences pouring in to enjoy a good old theatrical fun fest.

This year, it’s The Wizard of StrovolOZ that’s set to fascinate kids of all ages, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get into the swing of the Christmas spirit. Based loosely on the much-loved classic, The Wizard of Oz, this modern and updated version boasts all the familiar characters: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Witches (both good and bad) all making an appearance. And while the Tin Man is now the Tin Woman, and the guitar-strumming Wizard rocks out in a manner strangely reminiscent of Elvis, the show remains true to the original storyline of good triumphing over evil.

Co-directed by Penny Loizou and Thadd Correia, The Wizard of StrovolOZ promises to be a two-hour treat for anyone aged four and up. “We were introduced to the script by Clare Andreou, who is the show’s choreographer,” says Penny. “It’s the type of script that could be set anywhere, and so StrovolOZ was the obvious choice,” she adds, explaining that the original name of the district comes from the Greek word ‘anemostrovolos’, or ‘whirlwind’ – highly suitable, given that the show opens with Dorothy’s house being lifted up by a tornado! Packed with catchy musical numbers and exciting dance routines, the storyline follows Dorothy and – of course – Toto in their quest to return home. And from the moment the house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, it’s non-stop entertainment all the way…

Advised by the Good Witch Glinda to seek the help of the all-powerful Wizard, Dorothy sets off along the yellow brick road on her musical, magical journey. Meeting up with the Scarecrow, Tinwoman and Lion on her way to the EmeraldCity, Dorothy has to overcome any number of trials on her expedition. There are the wiles of the two evil sisters (aptly named Sweaty Betty and Anita Repeater) to contend with, and the ordeal of the HauntedForest (cue ghost scene) to overcome. And even when the group reach the EmeraldCity itself, Dorothy’s quest is far from over: the Wizard has lost his beloved guitar and won’t help our heroine until it’s found!

“It’s traditional panto with a twist,” says Penny. “There’s a very strong musical content in terms of both song and dance this year, with live vocals and a large chorus of nearly 20 members; some of the numbers really will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck!” Bringing the pantomime “into the 21st century in terms of staging, we’ve bypassed the traditional heavy box set and chosen to use projected images, giving us that much more space to work with,” she continues.

Created by Laurin Designs, the images are not the only departure from pantomimes of yore: the costumes are all based on the theme of Steampunk. “Steampunk was Thadd’s idea,” says Penny. “It’s very modern, Goth and punk reworked. And it allows a lot of the younger members of the cast to incorporate items of their own clothing into their costumes.” Coordinated by expert seamstresses Lesley Armstrong and Ada Tate, the costumes promise to bring a sartorial punch to a show which has been nine long weeks in the making.

“We’re all really enjoying it,” says Penny of the rehearsal process. “Everyone has learnt a lot, and we’re all having a great deal of fun!” With the actors revelling in the preparation of the show, all that remains is for the audience to show up and join in the exuberance: “You’ll be tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles in no time,” Penny assures. So, if you haven’t yet booked, now is the time to secure your seat and prepare to be whisked away by this seasonal spectacular… all the way to StrovolOZ!

 

The Wizard of StrovolOZ

ACT production at The Russian Cultural Centre in Nicosia. Saturday November 30 at 3pm and 7.30pm, Sunday December 1, Friday December 6 at 7.30pm, Saturday December 7 at 3pm and 7.30pm, Sunday December 8 at 3pm. €12 for adults and €6 for children aged 2-12 for the performances of November 30 at 3pm and December 1 at 3pm. Tickets are on sale at the theatre between 4 – 6 pm, Monday-Friday, or can be booked through the Business Manager on 99 924363

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