Zealous Productions yearly pantomime must be Perth’s best kept secret and this year’s The Wizard of Oz is no exception. Housed at Subiaco’s Regal Theatre and in their fifth year – I’m surprised that this show is not getting more press!
I can’t sing high enough praises for this team who are all West Australians; seeing a show like this makes my job easy as a theatre reviewer. It made me proud to be a West Australian and see the home grown, grass roots creativity they are bringing to our stages. What I also loved while reading the 16 strong casts biographies was that many themselves are also creating their own work, which I believe is a must as a performer. They are not merely pawns who are part of an industry but passionate performers who are creating with their heart and soul.
As the curtains raised, I knew that the show was going to be good when I heard the claps and shouts from their loyal and yearly returning audience. It was clear that the audience knew what was coming and they were just as excited as the performers to be part of this year’s pantomime. We were encouraged to cheer for goodies and boo for the baddies and oh was it fun!
Audience involvement in a pantomime is such a necessity and Zealous Productions nailed this. There was a point in the production that they had literally everyone (yes everyone!) in the audience on their feet dancing to the Time Warp. It felt like I was at a family party yet I was really in a theatre with over 500 other strangers. There is nothing like the energy and connectivity cultivated by artisan performers and it leaves you so invigorated and buzzing.
Their cast was truly a strong cohesive team not to mentioned incredibly professional and talented. With most graduates of NIDA, WAAPA, VCA or with substantial experience, it was unsurprising how perfect this production was. Director Brendan Hanson had a talented team to work with but there was no doubt he is just as talented with a spectacular final product.
Special mentions go to Maree Cole as the awful Wicked Witch. I know Maree’s work and as someone who has been around for years – she is like a fine wine – she keeps getting better with age!
In her professional theatre debut Jayda D’Agostino was impeccable as Dorothy. Vocally beautiful to listen to, she was equally mesmerising to watch with her bright and sunny characterisation.
My seven year old daughter’s favourite character was the Scarecrow played by Noah Connelly. I can see why – with his amazing physicality; cartwheeling, jumping and flopping across the stage he was a spectacle to be watched.
Of course a favourite of all pantomimes is when we have a cross dressing character. Aunty Em/Glinda played by Chris Gerrish did not let us down. Incredibly quick witted and sharp with his jokes, I loved his hilarious vocalisation and overall big stage presence.
Another highlight was the tap dancing ensemble – how wonderful to see this on stage. Something you rarely see these days – especially not in Perth! It made me want to take up tap lessons again and maybe I just will!
Overall this production exceeded my expectation again and again. They really were at such a high and professional level with everything from the sets (the use of projection was really clever and visually very pleasing), use of a live band (this always tops a production for me) and the bright and fun costuming.
Zealous’ pantomime really should be apart of your yearly Christmas tradition, because if it’s not your missing out!
The Wizard of Oz runs from December 12 – 24th 2025 at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco.
To book tickets to The Wizard of Oz – A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, please visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=OZXMAS25.
Photographer: Stephen Heath Photography
