We’re off to Bradford to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz in an updated stage version of the classic Judy Garland movie that has become a must see every Christmas for generations of families everywhere.
Unless you have spent your life in a closed religious order then there is no point in detailing the plot as a young girl in depression era Kansas enters a strange new world, and with the help of some new mates fends off a wicked witch to find her way home.
This lively technicolour revival comes straight from a sell-out run at the London Palladium, and the good news for all friends of Dorothy is the classic movie tunes are still here, with typically solid extra songs by the venereal duo of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in the second act.
Whilst staying true to the movie’s message that sticking together can defeat evil this is an often brash reimagining with Douglas O’Connell’s videos projected into the back of the set to push the narrative along, with Rachael Canning’s lurid costumes adding colour throughout. Some critics have said that makes this production a bit too trippy, but for god’s sake the movie based on a child’s fever dream is pretty bonkers too.
After establishing the characters back in Kansas, old hand Nikolai Foster’s direction keeps the pace high in the magical land of Oz as Dorothy sets off on her perilous journey home, but at times it can be a little too arch. Relative newcomer Aviva Tulley is a wonderfully spirited Dorothy nailing the iconic Over The Rainbow, which is a really tricky number, and there is no doubt she is going to be a major West End star.
It was a delight to see musical theatre legend Gary Wilmot as The Wizard which he pulled off with effortless charm. Benjamin Yates as the brainless Scarecrow, Femi Akinfolarin as the heartless Tin Man and Nic Greenshields playing the Cowardly Lion were charming companions on the yellow brick road, even channelling a bit of Hamilton in If I Only Had a Heart.
A busy band of adult sized Munchkins were great fun as they manipulated the yellow brick road round the stage and switched to become flying monkeys where needed. See, the whole thing is a bit trippy, and special mention to puppeteer Abigail Matthews who skilfully brought Toto into the action.
The real plus point was just how good drag superstar The Vivienne was as the Wicked Witch of the West. We know she can knock out a big tune like Red Shoes Blues, but she can act too terrifying some younger members of the audience rampaging round the set in heels and a green face.
The Wizard of Oz is at heart a classic fairy tale, so this production doesn’t shy away from the darker elements, but it also captures the essence of why this story has become an enduring symbol of why being true to yourself matters. Updating any classic is always risky, and on the whole it works, so it sits rather nicely alongside Wicked.
The Wizard of Oz is at Bradford Alhambra until Saturday 23rd March. To book 01274 432000 or www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Paul Clarke
Reviewed: 20th March 2024
North West End UK Rating: