The Wizard pf Oz

The simple set largely relied on huge and very effective video walls. There were several positioned in the wings and one that took up much of the back wall. These were used to great effect to take the audience from scene to scene with little input needed from the backstage team, from the house and cornfields to the vibrant land of Oz. Smaller set pieces, such as bricks and Professor Marvel’s wagon, were added as needed, ensuring the action flowed smoothly throughout. The screens were also cleverly used to display AI-generated images of the Wizard’s shifting faces, heightening the tension for Dorothy and her companions before the true Wizard appeared. Lighting was generally very effective, though there were occasional moments when performers’ faces fell into slight shadow, likely due to the illumination required for the screens. Costumes, hair, and makeup were outstanding; the Tin Man was a particular highlight, with a wonderfully inventive tin-can torso complete with the printed lettering for Wizard of Oz lager.

Dorothy Gale (Isla) was delightful. She gave a confident and very accomplished performance, with clear diction and assured vocals. Her dancing was equally impressive, marked by a lovely arabesque during her overture entrance. She looked completely natural handling Toto, who was expertly played by Wurzel, an adorable Patterdale terrier. Together they were a very believable pairing and quite rightly delighted the audience.

Glinda (Madeleine) embodied the good fairy perfectly—radiant in appearance and singing with elegance and warmth.

Hunk/Scarecrow (Joseph) had good physicality and characterisation as the likeable scarecrow and performed his song ‘If I only had a Brain’ well. He too had a terrific costume with a very inventive newspaper effect on his clothes.

Hickory/Tinman (George) also moved well as this stiff, metallic figure and performed his song, ‘If I only had a heart’, with strong vocals and real emotion. The accompanying trees were very stylish and sang well.

Zeke/Cowardly Lion (Jon) had a wonderful cuddly costume and was another strong performer. He did a great job pretending to be brave until Dorothy told him off.

Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West (Maria) commanded the stage with authority, leading her flying monkeys and shaping the atmosphere with confidence.

Professor Chester Marvel/The Wizard of Oz (Robert) portrayed his roles with solid character work.

Other supporting principal roles including Uncle Henry (Harry), Aunt Em (Cassidy), the Emerald city guard (Simon) and the Munchkins were all well played and gave enjoyable performances.

The adult and children’s ensembles were well rehearsed and performed Vicki’s choreography very proficiently. There was a definite nod to the West End musical and film Wicked, with very stylised large chorus numbers that were visually stunning. They all looked terrific in their beautiful costumes and really brought the scenes to life. The Munchkin scene was especially vibrant and spirited, as were the poppy fields. Very well done.

Vocals across the production were excellent, and Musical Director Teresa achieved impressive blend, harmonies, and dynamic control. Strong direction by Vicki brought all of the elements together into a polished, highly professional performance. Congratulations to all involved.

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