“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a beloved classic originally written by American author L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. Baum was an imaginative storyteller who created a rich fantasy world that has captivated readers of all ages.
Inspired by his experiences, family, and American culture, Baum’s fascination with fairy tales and his desire to create an American fairy tale led to the birth of Oz. Since 1900, there have been countless adaptations, movies, and theater shows, as well as the much-loved prequel “Wicked.”
This modernised production features computer-generated projections and lighting effects to bring the Kansas storm to life. Follow Dorothy, a young girl living in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and her pet dog Toto, as they travel over the rainbow and meet new friends. Scarecrow (in search of a brain), Tin Man (seeking a heart), and the Cowardly Lion (seeking courage), join Dorothy’s quest to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But beware—there could be lions, tigers, and bears along the way—oh my!
Dorothy’s adventure begins dramatically when a cyclone transports her house to the magical land of Oz, landing on the Wicked Witch of the East. This event sparks a journey to the Emerald City in search of a way back home. The Wicked Witch of the West, determined to reclaim her sister’s Ruby Slippers now worn by Dorothy, pursues them relentlessly. The on-stage costume change was flawlessly executed with the help of strategic lighting.
This spectacular production stars “Strictly Come Dancing” judge Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Witch of the West and JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as the Tin Man, promising a magical experience for the entire family.
The show features the beloved original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including classics like “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” with adaptations and additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
Aviva Tulley truly shines as Dorothy Gale. Her vocal performance was one of, if not the strongest, quickly making her a favourite with the audience. Her beautiful rendition of “Over the Rainbow” at the start assured everyone they were in for a great performance and was extremely moving.
Where would Dorothy be without Toto? In this production, Toto is depicted using a puppet, which is much easier than using a live animal that might not follow the script. Abigail Matthews exceeded our expectations with her exceptional puppetry skills, often outshining the other actors. A particularly enjoyable moment was when she tried to get Scarecrow, Tin-man, and Cowardly Lion to the Wicked Witch’s castle—we won’t give too much away.
Emily Bull stepped into the roles of Glinda/Aunty Em, with costumes that had a very Barbie-like quality, but with more sparkle. Alex Bourne portrayed Professor Marvel/Wizard, and David Burrows took on the role of Uncle Henry.
All the characters were brilliantly portrayed, with Benjamin Yates’s Scarecrow (he also played Hunk) standing out as a crowd favourite, and Nic Greenshields being charming yet amusing as the Cowardly Lion for both younger and older audience members.
They were joined on stage by the talented Aston Merrygold from JLS as the Tin Man and Hickory. And of course, we must mention the wonderful Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Craig Revel Horwood, primarily known as a judge on “Strictly Come Dancing,” brings a unique flair to the role of the Wicked Witch of the West (and Ms. Gulch) in “The Wizard of Oz.” Given Horwood’s theatrical background, audiences can expect a dynamic and flamboyant portrayal of the Wicked Witch. His experience in choreography and stage direction adds a layer of precision and creativity to the character. Instead of the expected cackle and evil, Horwood’s Wicked Witch is full of anger and sass. It’s great to see Craig make the character his own.
This production highlights an abundance of talent, featuring 13 ensemble performers who dazzled with their performances. Superstitions aside, these 13 performers truly brought the story to life.
The orchestra and the dedicated creative team complete this marvellous production. We found the sound levels to be a bit off. At times, the music’s reverberations could be felt in the chest, and the orchestra occasionally drowned out the on-stage singing.
From the multimedia staging to the stunning costumes and choreography, this show is a visual and auditory delight. Since the end of the pandemic, digital scenery has become quite popular. It’s amazing what can be achieved with it and how it can enhance the storyline. However, there is something special about seeing fantastic physical sets; they often provide more depth and engage your imagination a bit more.
“The Wizard of Oz” remains a timeless narrative of adventure, friendship, and the quest for self-fulfillment, resonating deeply with audiences around the world.
What a fantastic way to kick off the summer holidays with the family!
Age guidance – 6+ (no under 2s)
Start times and running length
Tuesday – Saturday: 7pm
Wednesday and Saturday: 2pm
The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes including interval.
Please note this performance contains pyrotechnics (haze effect).
You can find out more details on performance times and to book tickets here.
