Richard Huish College kicked off February with a magical bang, staging The Wiz—a dynamic, student-led production that reimagined the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz with an electrifying mix of soul, funk, and vibrant choreography. The production ran from February 4th to 7th in the Huish Theatre.
This musical follows Dorothy, a young woman transported from Kansas to the colourful and enchanting Land of Oz. Alongside her three companions—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion—she embarks on a journey to find the Wizard and return home.
The show featured a talented cast of students from courses across the college who came together through the Performing Arts EnRICH programme to showcase their impressive skills in acting, singing, and dance.
Music EnRICH students worked tirelessly to produce the show’s soundtrack and the stagecraft crew, also comprised of students, spent months working on lighting, sound, costumes, and set creation, to bring the Land of Oz to life.
Directed by Course Manager for Drama, Gemma Thompson, the production provided a fresh twist to a beloved story with its unique blend of music and contemporary settings, all inspired by the 1978 film adaptation. Audiences experienced a fun-filled evening of timeless tunes such as “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home,” alongside the powerful story that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and empowerment.
Gemma Thompson shared her excitement: “The Wiz was a high-energy show, and our students did not disappoint! They truly captured the magic of the production and embraced the funky musical numbers. As a cast, they worked incredibly hard, making the show a huge success. It’s always a pleasure and a joy to work with young people who have a passion for the performing arts, and this year was no different! A huge thank you to everyone involved!”
Audience feedback highlighted the calibre of the production, with comments such as:
- “Loved it so much, I saw it twice!”
- “I was a Musical Director for a production of The Wiz 27 years ago – this was a fantastic performance!”
- “Wow, wow, wow! A truly ‘magical’ experience. A brilliant cast and crew, great choreography. Music, stage, and screen effects—what talent, what a show! Loved it, well done!”
- “The Tornado sequence gave me chills! My favourite dance!”
- “It was theatrical, thrilling, and terrific. Would watch again, good job squad!”
To find out more about the Performing Arts EnRICH at Huish, register for the Open Event on Wednesday 30th April.