NOT many actors can say they won a part by relieving themselves on stage.
But that didn’t stop cheeky pooch Scruffy being cast as Dorothy’s faithful dog Toto, in Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society’s forthcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.
Six-year-old Scruffy’s moment of glory came as he met the cast at Christ Church, Chineham. Spotting a papier mache tree trunk on set, Scruffy simply did what dogs do. Fortunately the rubber rehearsal floor was down - preventing a carpet cleaning bill!
Scruffy
Scruffy’s owner Symonde and her daughter Eloise were profuse with apologies. But their Tibetan terrier had immediately endeared himself to the cast. He quickly made friends with Alyssia King, who plays Dorothy.
During his “audition” he survived an encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West, looked quizzically at the antics of the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, and even scoffed a sausage on cue.
Scruffy will share the role of Toto with two year-old Tia.
Tia
Tia is a toy poodle crossed with a cavalier King Charles spaniel, and equally lovable. Her owner Pete used to perform with BATS himself, and she’s clearly inherited his ease on stage, passing her audition with flying colours.
Not even being loaded into a bicycle basket prompted a whimper of complaint. In fact the biggest challenge for Tia will be changing sex every night – Toto is supposed to be a boy!
With Tia and Scruffy on stage, Toto can stake a claim to the title of `Most Popular Character in The Wizard of Oz`. Even the Munchkins will have to work hard not to be upstaged!
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the classic MGM film starring Judy Garland, BATS promises a lavish production with stunning costumes, magical stage effects and all the original songs including We’re Off To See The Wizard, Follow The Yellow Brick Road, Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead and of course, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
David Allard
See The Wizard of Oz from November 20- 29.
Performances start at 7.15pm with 2.15pm matinees on Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd and Saturday 29th.
Ticket prices: £20 (adult) and £13 (Children 16 and under). All prices include Anvil Arts £1 booking fee per ticket. Concessions apply for all performances for over-60s, groups and full-time students.
Book your tickets online via www.bats.net, www.anvilarts.org.uk, call 01256 844244 or visit The Haymarket or Anvil box offices.
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