Bispham CastAways family pantomime for 2022 was “The Wicked Witches of Oz” by Peter Nuttall, by arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts and directed by Harry Chambers. There were three performances across the 16th and 17th of December, with fun stalls in the side room before all performances, including tombola, bean bag toss, fish cup and a shooting game. Prizes were very kindly donated by Hart’s Amusements on Red Bank Road.
The story followed Dorothy and her faithful doggie friend, Toto, from Aunty Em’s stinky farm in Blackpool all the way to the strange land of Oz after a storm carried them away. In Oz they met some familiar characters in a Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, along with a strange, surprisingly tall, Munchy, with an odd accent! However, all Dorothy and Toto wanted was to get home to Aunty Em. Munchy, head of the munchkins, suggested travelling to see the famous Wizard Of Oz and his downtrodden but inventive manservant, Drip. So off the friends went along the yellow brick road… but they hit some trouble in the most evil and green, Wicked Witch of the West, and her rather amorous sister, The Wicked Witch of the North, Momby. With Dorothy and the Wizard eventually kidnapped by the wicked witches, would Dorothy and Toto ever get home?
The audiences across the three performances were seen laughing in the aisles, clapping, booing, shouting out and singing along. The production was well supported, especially with a sell out Saturday matinee, and has been recognised with several NODA North West District 2 award nominations.
