Hard work produced best show ever

I AM writing to congratulate the Denes High School who put on a spectacular performance of The Wizard of Oz for three nights.The production was incredibly professional, particularly in view of its complexity, with numerous scene changes throughout and the inclusion of pyrotechnics.

I AM writing to congratulate the Denes High School who put on a spectacular performance of The Wizard of Oz for three nights.

The production was incredibly professional, particularly in view of its complexity, with numerous scene changes throughout and the inclusion of pyrotechnics.

What makes it even more special is the fact that for the first time ever the production was directed and choreographed by four of the sixth form students - Dan Walker, Cameron McKirdy (both of whom in addition to directing, stepped in to share the role of the scarecrow at the late notice and gave memorable performances), Paige Rix and Jamie Winyard.

Stevie Harrison and Lucy Walters shone as they shared the role of Dorothy, whilst Katie Walker and Martha Finch-Bretlaender were convincingly terrifying in their individual portrayals of the wicked witch, a role which was shared between them over the four performances.

Abigail Perry stood out in the role of Aunty Em and the good witch Glinda, and Aiden Henry (uncle Henry/guard), John Shelley (tinman/Hickory) and James Mitchell (lion/Zeke) each brought the house down with their performances. The entire cast, sound, lighting and backstage crew were superb.

The musical score, directed by Peter Collings, was first class and the band had the entire audience clapping and singing along with every song.

Finally, the production could not have been put together and so successfully staged without Natalie Dores, head of drama, whose tireless commitment and hard work resulted in the best school show I have ever seen and has taken school productions to a whole new level.

DIANE WALKER

Lowestoft