Wizard TADLOP play uses Hollywood magic
Techniques usually used in Hollywood blockbusters will be used in the latest production by a Telford amateur dramatics group.
The Telford and District Light Operatic Players, known as Tadlop, will be using high-tech green screen technology in their latest production of The Wizard of Oz.
Fans of the film version of the musical will remember the tornado scene, where Dorothy's house is swept from Kansas into Oz.
And to recreate the classic movie moment on the stage, the group are teaming up with Jackfield-based Scadge Studios to pre-film actors in wacky situations as if being blown by the ferocious winds.
Director Sue Pointon said: "The thing is that the script we are using is the one taken from the MGM picture and in it there are all sorts of extreme effects which to create on stage would be very tricky. So we just thought that we've not used the technology before, it sounds like it would work and it would be a boost for Tadlop so we would give it a go.
"It will just add an extra dimension to it really."
Some of the scenes the group will be filming tonight will feature a rocking chair and a coracle, which they will use in order to help them recreate the cinema magic to the fullest effect.
Tadlop and the studios have worked together on numerous projects and John Wilkins from Scadge says they are excited to work on this project.
He said: This will be particularly good because it is Wizard of Oz and will look great with lots of graphics. Fortunately the director, Sue Pointon, is very forward thinking and wants to use a lot of the latest technology in the show."
A few weeks ago, the group were appealing for the use of a rocking chair and a rowing boat for use during filming.
The Wizard of Oz will be running at The Place theatre in Oakengates from October 9 than 12, each evening at 7.30pm with a special performance at 2.30pm on the Saturday.
Tickets are now on sale and prices start at £12. A group ticket is also available.
Tickets can be bought from the box office on (01952) 382382, via the website www.oakengates.ws or contact Tadlop's ticket secretary Lyndsey Bird at birdlyndsey@hotmail.com
More information can be found on Tadlop's website at www.tadlop.com
