Writer/producer George Critchley is carving a worthy reputation with his second Christmas season at the Darwen Library Theatre. His Wizard of Oz is a gem, superbly cast and superbly played.

Scenery is minimal but sweetly coloured. When the characters enter they look as if they have jumped from the pages of the book. They are costumed to the highest standard and their every move is in character.

The Wicked Witch is played with delicious venom by Nikki Woollard. David Drewitt makes the scarecrow an absolute hoot. Terry Ashe plays the Lion beautifully and Lee Phillips' Tin Man is an exceptional creation. Lynn Sweet's Good Witch is dressed as a fairy, which is a mistake.

Critchley's script has everyone's favourite moments. A clever opening sequence introduces the characters and then he keeps to the spirit of the book.

Dorothy is no Garland copy, thank goodness, as Jayne Ashley plays her straight from a child's imagination. Children will identify with these characters and they will remember them.

The Stage (review from 2001 production)