The Wizard of Oz

Perform Studios presented The Wizard of Oz, a musical adaptation by Tom Kirkman, at The King’s School, Macclesfield, and I have to say what an absolute delight this production was. I had never seen this particular adaptation before, but from the moment the opening number One Day in Kansas began, it was clear that this version had its own distinct charm. The score was wonderfully catchy, with songs such as Clang Every Cymbal staying in my head long after the curtain fell. Tom Kirkman’s adaptation strikes a lovely balance between familiarity and freshness, and Perform Studios embraced that spirit wholeheartedly.

Taking centre stage on the Saturday performance was Alexia Reddie as Dorothy. Her characterisation was genuinely engaging, capturing both the innocence and determination that make Dorothy such a beloved figure. Alexia brought a natural warmth to the role, and her interactions with the rest of the cast felt sincere and grounded. She handled the musical numbers with confidence, and her presence anchored the story beautifully, giving the audience someone to root for from the very first scene.

Dorothy’s journey would be nothing without her iconic trio, and Perform Studios delivered a wonderfully balanced and entertaining group dynamic. Freya Betteley’s Scarecrow was full of charm, physicality, and humour. She captured the floppy, loose‑limbed movement of the character with ease, and her comedic timing added a lovely buoyancy to every scene she appeared in. There was a sweetness to her portrayal that made the Scarecrow instantly endearing. Fletcher Crooks as the Tin Woodman was fantastic. His costume alone was a showstopper, sleek, eye‑catching, and impressively constructed. I’ll admit I was a little jealous of those smashing silver boots he wore; they were a perfect finishing touch. Fletcher brought a gentle sincerity to the Tin Woodman, and his performance struck a nice balance between humour and heart. His scenes were consistently engaging, and his musical moments were delivered with clarity and confidence. Completing the trio was Coral Woods as the Lion. Woods brought great energy to the role, leaning into the comedic aspects without ever losing the underlying vulnerability that makes the Lion so lovable. Her stage presence was strong, and she handled the character’s larger‑than‑life personality with real skill, ensuring the Lion remained both funny and sympathetic.

On the darker side of Oz, Evie Bullock delivered a memorable performance as the Wicked Witch. Her characterisation was bold and confident, with excellent projection and a commanding stance that immediately established her authority on stage. Evie clearly understood how to balance theatrical villainy with genuine character work, making her scenes a highlight of the production. In contrast, Rosie Remblance brought a lovely sense of calm and elegance to Glinda. Her presence offered a gentle counterpoint to the Wicked Witch’s intensity, and her scenes were delivered with poise and warmth. Rosie’s performance added a touch of magic to the production, embodying the guiding spirit of Oz with grace.

The ensemble were absolutely fantastic, and one of the most heart‑warming aspects of this production was the clear sense of community on stage. The ensemble numbers were full of energy, colour, and commitment, and it was evident how much heart and soul had gone into every moment. From the vibrant costumes to the thoughtful staging, from the choreography to the vocal work, the ensemble helped bring Oz to life in a way that felt rich and immersive. What stood out most was the way the older cast members supported the younger ones, guiding them, encouraging them, and helping them shine. It created a beautiful atmosphere of teamwork and mentorship that elevated the entire performance.

A special mention must go to Nicola Jay Crooks and her team for their outstanding work behind the scenes. The production values were impressive across the board: the set design was imaginative and functional, the costumes were colourful and detailed, and the choreography was well‑structured and accessible for performers of all ages. It’s clear that a tremendous amount of care, planning, and passion went into bringing this show to life, and the result was a production that radiated joy from start to finish.

Perform Studios’ The Wizard of Oz was not just a musical, it was a celebration of creativity, community, and youthful talent. It was a pleasure to watch, and a testament to what can be achieved when a team pours their heart into storytelling.

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