MORE than 50 children learnt about acting and stage production at Cheriton Fitzpaine where the Summer Scheme was organised by the Drama Club.

A team of eight adults led by Geoff Burchmore, have coaxed and encouraged the young people into a professional-looking cast.  Geoff was also assisted by older teenagers:  Alis Tonkin, Stephen and Hannah Frost.

The play, The Wizard of Oz had a large cast, some members changing over during the run, but all spoke clearly and confidently and rarely needed prompting. 

The songs, accompanied by Malcolm Yeates on the keyboard, were straight from the original, and led themselves to audience participation.

Adam Edwards introduced the play and gave the usual safety announcements before we met Dorothy, played by Vicky Lancelles from Poughill.  Her dog, Toto, scampering about on all fours was Sophie Allen and Harri Hill and was most convincing, although the audience worried about his/her knees!

Clarrie Lancelles, Luke Martin and Harri Cornforth as the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man, are all born comedians and their costumes, made by Penny Rudler Doyle and Sue Yeates, were excellent.  The sequence when Tin Man is oiled, and slowly comes to life was hilarious.

Experienced actors Stephanie Leighton as the Wicked Witch and Chris. Lomas as the Wizard of Oz, both gave animated performances and Charlotte French as the workworn American Aunt Emm, was very realistic.

One member of the audience commented that each year some of the younger children are completely new to the experience, which makes it all the more remarkable that Geoff, Deborah Leighton Plom, Sue Yates and Penny were able to train them to sing and dance so confidently.

We are all very grateful to the Drama Club, technical staff, scenery makers, helpers and parents, who work so hard to bring us this entertainment each year, as well as providing a sumptuous pre-performance tea for the senior members of the community. 

There cannot be many village communities where young people can be involved in something so worthwhile. MN