After a two year wait, the cast of the TLT’s Wizard of Oz finally got their chance to shine with the first performance which took place on Saturday last, August 13th and we’re delighted to report they’re better than ever!
Having originally been scheduled to take place in October 2020 with a full schedule of rehearsals already completed, when Production Manager Aoife Mc Groggan got word that all theatres were to close and events in general were to be cancelled she says everyone was devastated.
“Of course, we were devastated that the show wasn’t permitted to go ahead but I think even more so because of all the rules that we had so stringently abided by when it came to our rehearsal schedule” said Aoife.
“We rehearsed in pods and capped the number of tickets to be sold for each performance. So when the news came in that we had to shut our doors the cast and crew really were so disappointed after putting in so much work”.
Aoife goes on to explain how it felt when preparations for the show recommenced in springtime of this year:
“One thing that we all most definitely have in common within the team is our passion for what we do. So when it all kicked off again earlier this year, we were intent on putting on a musical of the highest standard and that’s most definitely what we have!
“Our cast are very experienced with some travelling quite far to be part of what we have created. As always, our Director and Choral Director Sarah Louisa Nolan brings her incredible creative vision to the table and she never disappoints”. With productions such as Oliver, Cinderella and Aladdin to name but a few already under her belt, Sarah Louisa is a true veteran of the stage.
So what can we expect from this year’s show? We asked Managing Director of the theatre and Producer of the show Patrick Leddy what’s in store.
“Well while we all know the story of The Wizard of Oz and how it all plays out; the audience are in for a few surprises along the way! For the first year ever, we have a live choir on stage throughout the show. The standard of the show this year really is superb”.
Tickets for The Wizard of Oz, which runns until next Sunday, August 21st, are on sale now and start from €16 and can be purchased HERE
The Tommy Leddy Theatre (above) offers the very best in live theatre and entertainment in the north east. It has one of the largest theatre stages in Ireland with an overall capacity for 900 people yet still manages to keep its’ trademark intimate feel. It has an impressive stage line of site with a modern lighting and sound system.
With a full-refurbished backstage area, the new green room and dressing rooms are both modern and luxurious. The brand-new stunning bar The Prop Room offers a full bar service for pre-show and interval drinks and there is a snack shop also on site.
