Hull New Theatre was packed to the rafters on Thursday night for what turned out to be a magical extravaganza of colour, energy and theatrical perfection.
As soon as the curtain rose on The Wizard of Oz musical, it was clear we were in for something special.
The imaginative stage setting revealed a huge video backdrop which cleverly reeled us into the story – the opening sequence of a tornado just blew us away (pun intended).
And this videography played a huge part in the rest of the proceedings, meaning distracting scene-shifting was kept to a minimum throughout.
There can’t be a person on the planet who doesn’t know the age-old story of young Dorothy and her dog, Toto. In last night’s production, Dorothy was played by the very talented Aviva Tulles, while Toto was brought to life in the capable hands of a puppeteer.
Caught up in a tornado on her aunt and uncle’s farm in Kansas, Dorothy finds herself in a world of make-believe, where characters in her real life, take on the guises of fairytale beings.
The tornado’s destruction follows her into this new world and she witnesses a house flattening some poor soul whose legs sticking out from the rubble, reveal a pair of feet wearing sparkly ruby slippers.
This is where the fun starts in earnest, as the Wicked Witch Of The West (the mean Ms Gulch in Dorothy’s real life and a dual role for the immensely talented The Vivienne, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner) desperately wants those slippers to make her rule over Oz total.
The Witch already terrorises the residents of Munchkinland, the Munchkins, and sets her evil sights on doing the same to young Dorothy, who is now wearing the ruby slippers.
The Vivienne plays the Wicked Witch with a devilish passion, looking gorgeous even with a green face; while Tulles as Dorothy portrays the innocent, yet determined, teen to perfection.
Dorothy is desperate to find her way home – along the way meeting three companions who all need help from the Wizard of Oz. There is Scarecrow (a very flexible Benjamin Yates), who wishes for a brain; The Tin Man (Marley Fenton, whose stiff, rusted walk had us in stitches) needs a heart and, my fave, The Cowardly Lion (Nic Greensheilds, a cuddly beast of a creature) who wants courage. Dorothy just wants to get home.
Together they follow the yellow brick road to find the Wizard who can make their dreams come true; fighting off every evil thing the Wicked Witch of the West can throw at them.
This production has come direct from London’s West End, and it shows. The costumes, bar none, are stunning – colourful, glittery, fun and scary. My fave – a huge, pink, glittery creation – was worn by Emily Bull, who, as Glinda the good fairy helping Dorothy, was a vision each time she rode her pink scooter on to the stage.
All voices were loud, clear and tuneful – the sound technicians got it spot on.
Those tuneful voices were accompanied by the most wonderful music emanating from the orchestra pit, doing justice to the likes of Over The Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See The Wizard, to name just three.
The six principal characters – Dorothy, The Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West – were super-professional and very believable in their roles. Aided and abetted by the rest of an amazing cast, this show had everything. I couldn’t fault it.
Presented by Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, Nick Thomas, David Mirvish, Rupert Gavin & Mallory Factor, Jake Hine, Crossroads Live, Playing Field by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. A Curve Production from the book by L. Frank Baum
Running until Saturday, January 27th, 2024; 7.30pm nightly with 2.30pm matinees on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th. Tickets cost from £25. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 25th January 2024
North West End UK Rating: