The Chuckles of Oz, Civic Theatre, Darlington

BEING lent a pair of 3D glasses before taking your seat is novel in a theatre and betokens something cinematic and exciting.

It is well into the first act before they are needed and then – wow – the beauty of a cartoon forest seen close-up turns menacing as snakes, ghosts and a fearsome ogre reach out into the auditorium to within an inch of your nose.

The second act’s explosive dose of spiders and other horrible creatures leaves you equally gasping with wonder and perhaps also screaming at the terrifically real visual effects.

Pantomime survives by embraces new technology and accommodating the latest in popular taste. This spectacular version of the Wizard of Oz must be as visually magical as it can get on stage. Black theatre puppetry once seemed wonderful, but how tame that now seems by comparison.

The Chuckle Brothers, Barry and Paul, are recruited by Glinda the Good Witch, played with head girl firmness by Darlington performer Beth Stobbart to shepherd Dorothy safely to the Emerald City. This allows their well-honed antics to be slotted in between the story narrative and includes a funny spoof acrobatic act and perfect comic timing in several routines, all huge fun.

The show is beautifully staged with spectacular costumes and lighting, including bursts of fireworks, and has specially written music.

Laura Varnham is a spunky Dorothy. Her dog Toto is real, cute, unfazed by the action. Emma Francis is a thoroughly nasty Wicked Witch of the West.

There are endearing characterisations by a floppy Adam C Booth as The Scarecrow, Danny Potts, flamboyant in silver as The Tin Man, and Phil Corbitt cuddly as The Cowardly Lion. Songs are enhanced by dance routines abounding in panache, with particularly impressive animal headdresses for the Lion's lament.

Performances continue until January 11.

Pru Farrier