The Wizard of Oz: Technically Brilliant
Our annual Park Show is only days away now, and everyone at the Dukes is getting increasingly excited to share The Wizard of Oz with everyone! The Dukes Head of Production, Brent Lee, and his team have been working notably diligently to turn Lancaster into a world full of surprises and wonder. We sat down with him for a quick chat about the Production team and their experience working on The Wizard of Oz…
Hi Brent. Can you please introduce yourself and your team who are working on the Wizard of Oz?
I’m Brent – Head of production at the Dukes and I oversee the delivery of all areas of set, lighting, sound, costume, scenic painting, stage management. Overall, there are 23 production staff currently working across those areas who are a mix of Dukes staff and freelance specialists. We also have two interns and two work experience students who are learning various crafts.
You've got quite a team! Can you tell me a little bit more about what everyone has been working on, and how it is all coming together?
All the costumes are made from scratch and to suit the designs, same applies to various scenic element in all the locations. These are all made here in Lancaster. Lighting and sound teams are busy preparing miles of cable and rigging lights and installing power. We have a lot to do in a very limited timeframe. It is coming together really well and our fingers are crossed the heavy rain stays away!
We really do hope it stays away! Every year there is a new set design for the park. Despite being familiar with Williamson Park, have there been any challenges or surprises (that maybe you could tease for our audience) for this year’s Park Show?
Ahhhh – you’ll have to wait and see, but I can guarantee there are a good few surprises and effects in every scene which audiences will love…
I guess, we will have to sit tightly, but not for too long as technical rehearsals start today, and tomorrow we are officially a week away from another park show starting! You've worked on numerous Park Shows already, Brent. Can you tell me what you love about the Park Show and what is it about the Wizard of Oz that will make this years show special?
The Park Show is unique and special in the way the different locations can be used. Williamson Park itself is stunning and it’s always great working in that setting, especially with the views across the bay.
The shows are always a challenge to put on and a massive amount of planning goes into making them. Every one of them is different and presents its own set of challenges. It is a dedicated friendly team across all areas of the Dukes and the Production team including actors, community performers and the parks staff who are always a pleasure to work alongside!
Teamwork truly makes the dream work! We are incredibly grateful to have such an amazing Production team working behind the scenes. We hope that many of you can come to see what they have created for this years Park Show!
Join us down the yellow brick road from 18th July to 24th August 2025.
