Wizard of Oz – Theatre by the Lake

Following the A66 to Keswick leads to the start of a magical journey along the Yellow Brick Road at Theatre by the Lake this festive season.

The set is simple and beautiful. The opening scene with the full moon over the Lakeland fells with a storm brewing.

This ain’t Kansas, but it is a beautiful retelling of Dorothy’s adventures with the scarecrow, tin man and lion. Sonia Jalaly’s production, based on L Frank Baum’s classic this is a beautiful retelling that has something for all ages.

After moving from London to Keswick, to live with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and cousin Rosie, Dorthy wants to run back to her old home. However, she ends up in the land of Oz, where she meets the brilliant Munchkins.

This is where the magic kicks in. With the looks, costumes, fun and drama of Elton John in his most elaborate stage era, the Munchkins, led by Michael Hugo, are entertaining and hilarious. This is the perfect festive production for all the family. Adults and tots alike filled the theatre with laughter.

This is also where the music comes to the fore. For parents and children growing up with the sounds of Hamilton and Six, these rap-inspired songs are not Follow the Yellow Brick Road, but they are engaging and fun. The music, dance and energetic performances create a pace that keeps even the youngest child in the auditorium entertained and engrossed in the story.

It is hard to believe this is Nimi Spiff’s first professional production, as she takes on the role of Dorothy. A young actor with great talent, presence and voice.

With such perfect casting, it is unfair to highlight any one actor, as they work so well together as a team to present an all-singing, all-dancing and fun show.

Mia Jerome as Aunt Em and the tin woman (and also a very lively dancing Munchkin) shows her amazing versatility. As Aunt Em, she is warm and shares the emotions of losing her sister and her concerns and love she has for her niece, whom she is now caring for.

David Kirkbride as Uncle Henry and Lion is equally versatile. He is especially funny as the lion without courage.

Kira Hayes as Rosie and the Scarecrow gives a strong performance as both cousin and scarecrow with no brains, and her character as a southern American straw woman is a great nod to the original story setting.

Dorothy’s dog, Toto, brought to life by Vinnie Monachello, is a star. And the puppetry of the crows and their witty lines are hilarious.

Emma Jay Thomas, as the Wicked Witch and Good Witch, gives a strong performance as both, and her staging is dramatic. And watch out for the Wicked Witch’s Hellraising monkeys.

The two off-stage swings, Poppy Rowan and Ethan Cooper, provide the additional characters that make this production of 9 actors look like a much bigger production.

With the second Wicked movie out in the cinemas, this retelling of the prequel story is perfect for a family visit to the theatre. This may not be a big-budget movie, but it is a magical, warm, fun and engaging production.

The Wizard of Oz runs at Theatre by the Lake until Sunday 11th January with morning and afternoon performances on selected dates as well as evening performances. There are also relaxed, audio, captioned and British Sign Language performances available. https://www.theatrebythelake.com/

Reviewer: Karen Morley-Chesworth

Reviewed: 24th November 2025

North West End UK Rating