No Place Like Home
Published by Lord Wandsworth College on Monday 26th of January 2026
Basingstoke may be a long way from rural Kansas…
But hundreds have escaped the January gloom, being transported to the American Midwest by the Lord Wandsworth College production of The Wizard of Oz.
The three-day run at The Haymarket in Basingstoke saw more than 80 members of cast and crew staging their interpretation of L.Frank Baum’s 20th-century classic.
But taking a trip over the rainbow involved discovering that there’s really no place like home for all involved; a journey of this magnitude requires the whole College to come together.
Staff from LWC’s Performing Arts Department spent months planning, auditioning and rehearsing for the show, alongside student actors, dancers, singers, musicians and The Wizard of Oz Tech Crew.
The Herculean effort continued across LWC departments. From business and teaching staff aiding the set-building process and chaperone duties to Health Centre staff providing first aid support during performances. LWC’s real-life Toto, ‘Mabel’, even hails from the LWC community – boasting a Sternian owner.
And it all came together for a show that didn’t disappoint.
“The Wizard of Oz was a masterclass performance full of joy, sparkle, theatre, music and dance – all delivered alongside outstanding set design,” exclaimed 3rd Form student reviewer, Imogen, who attended with Gosden House. “Dorothy’s acting and dog-handling was a multitasking marvel to behold. I was particularly impressed with the standard of the whole show, but my highlight had to be the humorous performance of the loveable lion! I felt as though I’d been transported to a world of emerald glitter. The costumes were superb. It was a mesmerising production that I didn’t want to end.”
5th Form reviewer, Harry, attending with Summerfield House, was also in agreement that the production was as spellbinding as the plot itself. “It’s a captivating performance,” he added. “You are immersed in the Land of Oz and escorted along The Yellow Brick Road. The highlight was the music and the wonderful choreography. I was completely swept away by the story.”
For the cast and crew staging back-to-back performances, The Wizard of Oz has been a true labour of love. “Balancing rehearsals with busy school life is always challenging,” explained Director and Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks. “Show week is always the highlight for me and has become a real lovemark in the school calendar. Cast and crew build friendships and get to work together with like-minded people, who support one another to be confident performers.”
Just under 1500 witnessed a story come to life on stage, which underlined the value of friendships and the importance of courage and character in shaping the future.
An ethos that, funnily enough, sits right at the heart of LWC.
