Salisbury Playhouse – until 10 August 2019
Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
I can’t imagine there are many people with a love of musicals, whether film or stage, that do not know the story of The Wizard of Oz. The tale of a young girl named Dorothy who, after a tornado hits her Kansas farm finds herself in the weird and wonderful land of Oz with her beloved dog Toto. On her quest to get back home Dorothy meets many eccentric characters along the famous yellow brick road that join in and have their own wishes to be granted by the Wizard. Despite the best efforts of the Wicked Witch they reach the Wizard who requests and item belonging to the Wicked Witch before any wishes will be granted. The next wacky chapter of the adventure begins and with the help help of her new friends will Dorothy ever get home to her family in Kansas?
This Stage 65 theatre and Jigsaw Youth dance Company production really blew me away. They have added a contemporary element whilst still following the original concept that we all love. The costumes are extremely well thought out and designed, picking up on American iconic styles such as football players and greasers. The set is simple but beautiful and the clever use of props add all the right elements to put you into Oz with its yellow brick road and the Emerald City glowing bright green.
The whole cast were outstanding, a truly talented bunch who sang perfectly, had comedic timing that some high balling TV regulars dream of and you could see the enjoyment of being on stage beaming from their faces. An all round enjoyable family friendly production. A cast of rising stars.