This new production is a sheer delight and honours the legacy of the timeless charm of the 1939 film.
The yellow brick road winds its way into Manchester with the new London Palladium production of “The Wizard of Oz” arriving at the Palace Theatre. While the timeless charm of the 1939 fantasy film remains cherished in our hearts, this new production promises to honour its legacy while seamlessly integrating modern effects, ensuring a stellar theatrical experience.
Creatively transported to a farm in Kansas, the audience is introduced to Dorothy (Aviva Tulley) and her dog, Toto (Abigail Matthews). The foreshadowing of the characters we know and love is delivered with an excellent opening number. Throughout the performance, the ensemble captivates with their energy and compelling storytelling. Tulley takes the audience over the rainbow as she captivates them, evoking more than a few heartfelt tears.
When fantasy meets reality, Dorothy is transported to a world of Munchkins, Witches, and Wizards as she embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz (Allan Stewart) and vanquish the Wicked Witch of the West (The Vivienne). Along the way, she encounters the Scarecrow (Benjamin Yates), who delivers a perfect performance throughout, fully embracing the comedic joy the role offers. The Tin Man (Aston Merrygold) joins the troupe with mesmerizing moves, leaving audiences in awe. It is undeniable that Salford’s own Cowardly Lion (Jason Manford) receives a raw-some applause throughout from the local audience, stunning with his solo number.
The creative direction and embrace of technology throughout are the most tasteful attempts seen on a recent stage. Colin Richmond’s set perfectly combines screens with traditional sets, bringing depth to the delivery with the right amount of sparkle you would expect from the wonderful world of Oz. The new songs brought by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice weave magic into the production, with notes of nostalgic wonder.
This new production is a sheer delight. While the pacing of the first act compared to the second seems almost opposite, the delivery on stage is something to marvel at. Slip on your ruby slippers and head on a journey to Oz at the Palace Theatre until Sunday 5th May and across the UK this year.