The scarecrow, Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man are in full swing for this year’s 16th annual performance of the Bricket Wood Women’s Institute pantomime, which gets under way on Thursday with the Wizard of Oz, written, produced and directed by Mrs Freda Dyer.

Mrs Dyer has been with the Womens Institute for 11 years along with Mrs Mavis Denyer. They write, produce and direct the pantomimes on an alternate annual basis.

The Institute pays for the cost of each pantomime.

The proceeds are divided between the venues where the performances are held and the Women’s Institute itself.

The women find the proceeds they receive barely cover the initial costs of each pantomime, but the enjoyment of rehearsing and performing make their contributions worthwhile.

This year the first performances are held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Bricket Wood. They start at 7pm at tickets cost £1 for adults, 50p for children, which includes refreshments.

The proceeds will go to Mount Pleasant School, Bricket Wood. The pantomime was originally supposed to be held at the school but the venue was switched because of a faulty stage.

Two further performances will take place on Friday and Saturday at How Wood School, Park Street. Again it will begin promptly at 7pm.

Pictured dancing the night away in The Wizard of Oz are The Scarecrow (Irene Mills), Dorothy (Joel Simpson), The Lion (Judy Hayes) and The Tin Man (Barbara Shuttleworth).

[From the Watford Observer of January 10, 1986]