Wizard of Oz

'The Wizard of Oz' is Bilborough Colleges 2024 student led production, and I am honoured to have been chosen as this years co-director, working alongside a very talented team of peers. I was involved in everything, from auditions and casting, to show nights and get out. I learnt so much from my experience, and despite the rehearsals till 10pm, I would definitely do it all again. The show was an incredible success, performing to sold out audiences and receiving rave reviews. Below is a snippet from a local theatre critic: 

'Directed by Louis Chadburn and Olivia Owen, both making their directorial debuts with this show. You both obviously know your college drama mates very well to have wonderfully picked just the right cast members to play these iconic roles. That is half the journey, matching talent and personality to the musical counterparts. Another big part is making a production seem fresh, and there were several parts of this show that made me think "hello, I can't remember that bit". Also making the most of what is available is a big part. Yet again, even without the luxury of big sets, the way that this BIG production was presented, made you forget that there were limited sets.

I really enjoyed the "twister" sections, and the costumes, like giant silver and gold satiny angel wings really gave the effect of wind, and Miss Gulch's cycle ride over the top of this illusion was done to great effect; another one of those sections that I can't remember seeing in other productions. Obviously Louis and Olivia have really thought about how they can make their production just a little different to others, and have succeeded.'

As well as some internal support and encouragement from staff at the college:

'Keep going!! Well done for everything you’ve done and for keeping them all together! It’s pretty much the hardest job…'

'I was blown away by the show last night. I have seen how hard everyone has worked on this production and how it has consumed every thought for the past few months. However I don't know any of the rest of the cast and crew and seeing their amazing talent was incredible. So proud of them all!'

Being co-director obviously came with a lot more responsibility than just staging the scenes. With my stage manager, I also designed and put together a costume list for the cast, I built some props and set (including the crow puppets used for the scarecrow scene - pictured below), as well as supporting backstage for one of the shows.

In Rehearsal 

Show Nights