Birmingham Hippodrome – until 16th June 2024
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
The Wizard of Oz is probably one of the best known and loved stories of all time. Based on L Frank Baum’s novel and the 1939 film. This adaptation started life as part of BBC reality show ‘Over The Rainbow’ in 2010. The show’s aim was to cast the role of Dorothy Gale. The show premiered in March 2011, with a book adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams. It features many songs from the 1939 film, as well as featuring new songs and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. This current revival of the show first premiered at The Curve Leicester in November 2022.
From the very loud opening notes from the orchestra, we are swept away by ever-changing projection backdrops (Douglas O’Connell), gloriously atmospheric lighting (Ben Cracknell) and clever set designs (Colin Richmond). We start, of course, in Kansas, with its farmland and buildings projected onto the backdrop. We meet our heroine, Dorothy Gale played beautifully by Aviva Tulley. Her rendition of the classic ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ was spine tingling and met with rapturous applause. Tulley leads an amazing ensemble, all bringing their own unique take on such well-known characters. As in the movie, most of the performers play dual characters within the show.
Dorothy has her famous companions on her trip along the famous yellow brick road. They provide many comedic moments. Benjamin Yates brings a sweet, goofy nature to the Scarecrow as he tumbles about the stage. Aston Merrygold shows off his acting talents as well as the singing and dancing we are used to. Nic Greenshields captures the Cowardly Lion’s timid, shy nature perfectly, while towering over the other cast members. Abigail Matthews is outstanding as the puppeteer for Toto. Dressed in grey, she soon blends into the background and really brings Toto to life. After a while, you really believe there is an actual dog onstage. Every head tilt, whimper and movement of Toto is perfectly timed.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Oz without the witches! We are treated to two very different, but equally outstanding Witchy performances. Emily Bull as Glinda (also Aunt Em) brings a sickly sweet, but funny edge to the Good Witch. She forgoes the usual bubble as transportation, and instead arrives on a beautiful pink scooter that drew huge laughs from the audience. As for the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Craig Revel Horwood was absolutely born to play this role (plus the mean Ms Gulch). Throughout, you can see how much fun he is having and how he’s clearly relishing playing such an iconic role. His song ‘Red Shoes Blues’ at the start of the second act showcased a powerful singing voice.
The yellow brick road is cleverly created with rotating platforms that the performers walk and dance across. The Oz set is more futuristic than the green-hued city we are accustomed to. The backdrop projection is an important part of the show and features many Oz-based ‘in jokes’ throughout. I spotted a picture of Judy Garland among other nods to the cast from the movie. Definitely keep an eye out for this!
Some hardcore fans may struggle with some of the updated aspects of the show, for example, the Wizards’s balloon being replaced by a spaceship and the Cowardly Lion being clad in Adidas trainers. But in my opinion, this just added more charm to a very familiar story. I really enjoyed spotting these little changes.
The show has big red glittery shoes to fill, and it definitely succeeds in this goal!