FAMILIES were entertained at an outside performance of the Wizard of Oz performed by the multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre Company.
Best known for their work as producers of high-quality family theatre, the company brought their brand-new adaption of The Wizard of Oz to Shaw House, near Newbury, this August.
The magical family show had everyone in stitches as the talented cast entertained in a high-energy performance with plenty of audience participation.
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Families brought along chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the outside show, set against the stunning backdrop of the Grade II listed Shaw House.
Thankfully, the sun was out for the evening performance, with Shaw House open for refreshments.
The story follows the journey of Dorothy as she finds herself in the magical world of Oz and on a quest to find the Emerald City.
She meets loyal and loveable friends along the way – the brainless but cheeky scarecrow, the cowardly lion and the heartless tin man – who all navigate their way along the Yellow Brick Road in search of the mighty and mysterious Wizard of Oz.
But the Wicked Witch of the West is determined to stop them, and they face a few challenges and mishaps along the way.
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In a story where friendship triumphs over evil, the light-hearted, funny show had the audience engaged throughout with upbeat songs, dazzling, colourful costumes, and an original script with plenty of humour for both children and adults, which had everyone laughing out loud.
A music medley of popular songs had us all singing and clapping along and the charming, likeable characters won over the audience, particularly when it came to joining in.
One unlucky audience member was the butt of many of the jokes, much to the amusement of the rest of us.
This feel-good, uplifting, pantomime-style summer show was a real treat for the whole family, and had everyone on their feet clapping and dancing along at the end.
An added bonus was the Open-Air Sculpture Exhibition on the Orangery Lawn at Shaw House, which runs until September 25.
We enjoyed admiring the incredible artworks by acclaimed sculptors in the grounds of the historic setting during the interval, which are free to visit - and well worth it - until Sunday, September 25.
For more information about Immersion Theatre visit immersiontheatre.co.uk.
For more information on Shaw House visit westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-house.
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