A song from Lorna would make it really wizard

THE WIZARD OF OZ (Lowry Lyric)

WHY achieve the obvious coup of getting one of Judy Garland’s brilliantly golden-voiced daughters to appear in “The Wizard of Oz” — but not in a role in which she has to sing anything?

Go and ask Pele Productions, whose otherwise rather good production of this venerable classic would be all the better for a song from a genuine modern singing star, which Lorna Luft undoubtedly is.

That disappointment aside — and that of the corresponding irony of the producers choosing a Dorothy who is infectiously upbeat, but can’t sing very well — this latest big-scale Lowry Christmas show offers a lot to enjoy.

Forced by a well-structured story to stay out of its sometimes dance-heavy comfort zone, Pele gives us a fast-moving, bright and colourful evening that doesn’t by any means outstay its welcome, has handsome sets, excellent costumes, good effects — including excellent large-scale projections — and warmly enjoyable performances throughout, even from the cute dog playing Toto.

The projections come into their own in the usually underdone hurricane scene, when Dorothy and Toto are blown from Kansas to Oz and, as in the movie, dull monochrome colours become bright and lively ones.

Using a screen covering the mouth of the stage, the storm is a well-shot movie montage of gathering clouds, swirling winds and careering buildings and people.

Then the performers get to have fun. Though she doesn’t sing, Lorna Luft reveals her experience and clearly has a great time as the Wicked Witch, while Katie Schofield, as Dorothy, remains watchable and plucky throughout.

But the trio of Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion are one of the evening’s biggest strengths.

As well as great costumes, Joe Standerline, Ian Casey and Jamie Greer respectively — Greer in particular — make the often rather clunky characters live and breathe far more humorously than is usually the case.

Even Jack Lord as the Wizard — his first contact with Dorothy and her pals as a large projected head offering a more imposing presence than most — offers a warmer, more appealing character than usual.

One of the few downsides to the evening has to be the pre-recorded music which, no matter how well it is done, always divorces itself from the live atmosphere, causes minor timing problems and always comes over as a cost-cutting measure too far.

Otherwise this is a good-value experience: one of Pele’s best Lowry Christmas shows so far.