THE HIRED MAN<strong>London</strong> run: Astoria <strong>The</strong>atre, October 31 st(164 Performances)Music: Howard GoodallBook & Lyrics: Melvyn BraggDirector: David GilmoreChoreographer: Anthony van LaastMusical Director: Kate YoungProducer: Andrew Lloyd WebberCast: Paul Clarkson (John), Julia Hills (Emily),Richard Walsh (Jackson),Billy Hartman (Ted Blacklock),Gerard Doyle (Seth), Clare Burt (May)Songs: Song of the Hired Man, Now for the FirstTime, Work Song, GetPaul Clarkson & Julia HillsUp and Go Lad, HearYour Voice, You NeverSee <strong>The</strong> Sun, What Would You Say to Your Son? No Choir of Angels1984Story: John Tallentire, a Cumbrian hired journeyman with a love for the land, andhis wife, Emily settle in the poor circumstances of their surroundings until Emily’syearning for a more exciting life leads her into an indiscretion with the dashingyoung Jackson Pennington. John gives up his beloved land to take her to the city.He exchanges his plough for a miner’s pick and shovel, and the open-air for thedarkness of the pit. <strong>The</strong> war, the death of their son, and then Emily’s death intervenebefore John can finally return to the land.Notes: Although the work was felt to be a bit “preachy” and political, it wasconsidered worthy, though not likely to be a popular draw.41Photo by Donald CooperTHE WIZ<strong>London</strong> run: Lyric Hammersmith, December 8 th (8 week Christmas season)Music & Lyrics: Charlie SmallsBook: Frank Baum & William BrownDirector: Peter JamesChoreographer: Stewart Avon Arnold & Claud Paul HenryCast: Celena Duncan (Dorothy), Elaine Delmar (Aunt Tem/Glinda), Guy Gregory (Uncle Henry),Clarke Peters (Scarecrow), Earlene Benley (Evillene), Debby Bishop (Addaperle), Clem Curtis (Lion),Okon Jones (Tinman), Erick Ray Evans (<strong>The</strong> Wiz)Songs: <strong>The</strong> Feeling We Once Had, Tornado,Soon As I Get Home, Ease On Down theRoad, Slide Some Oil to Me, Mean Ol’ Lion,What Would I Do If I Could Feel, Don’tNobody Bring Me No Bad News, Believe inYourselfPhoto by Donald CooperEarlene Bentley (Centre) as Evillene, <strong>The</strong> Wicked WitchStory: A black version of “<strong>The</strong> Wizard of Oz”,with a Wicked Witch (Evillene) on a thronecluttered with pinball and fruit machines, theWizard who is a fast-talking revivalist who hassettled for the simple things in life “like power,prestige and money” and the Munchkins, whoare animated fire-hydrants. <strong>The</strong> Emerald Citybears a distinct resemblance to the Big Apple.