The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz - The Musical

Last Monday afternoon I went along to the London Palladium, Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of Oz, dress rehearsal.  Had seen the film many times over the years, nothing better on the TV, had to watch, well I shouldn't say that, I'm sure the first time I viewed the film there was a since of excitement, that was many moon's ago, and I'm sure it was on the big screen, maybe the excitement left when I watched it on a 17inch TV.  Well I must tell you  my excitement has been recharged with this new production, really is wonderful. The stage setting is fantastic, the way the sets move for each scene, and the special effects with the twister coming in over the little farm house in Kansas, lifting every thing in it's path, with the haunting sounds really giving you a sense of excitement. Superb acting by all, even Toto was amazing, one scene in particular I enjoyed,when the wicked witch was melting away, she was supposed to drop through a hatch, but the hatch didn't work, the witch just walked discreetly off stage, well this was dress rehearsal, the crew I'm sure will get it right on the night. The music was very good, not so sure about some of the songs? were so,so. the last few minutes seemed to have dragged on a little too long, should tighten it up a little. Really do hand it to Andrew Lloyd Webber,  Brilliant. A show worthy, A show for young and old.
This play, especially with the props, has given me inspiration for my on going work, you just wait and see! Toto the little shit?

Subject: ALERTS TO THREATS IN EUROPE: BY JOHN CLEESE

John Cleese - British writer, actor and tall person

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent events in Syria and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved."

Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the

blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.  

 A final thought - " Greece is collapsing, the Iranians are getting aggressive, and Rome is in disarray. Welcome back to 430 BC".