The Wizard of OZ, Birmingham Hippodrome Review

Written by Roni for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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If you were asked to name some of the most beloved musicals of all time, one of the first that must surely spring to mind would be the 1939 classic film, Wizard of Oz. Whether young or old you’d be hard pressed to find a member of the public who hasn’t seen this treasured movie at least once, and I imagine many of us have fond memories of rainy bank holidays accompanied by the dulcet tones of Judy Garland and some high-pitched munchkin companions. Now, a new star-studded production is making its way across the UK, bringing some timeless magic to audiences across the country. Can a modern take on this well-known tale capture hearts as well as the original?

The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas dreaming of something more then the simple life she leads on her Aunt and Uncle’s farm. When a local woman threatens the life of her dog and Dorothy is caught in the path of a tornado as she attempts to run away, she soon finds herself in the magical technicolour land of Oz. There’s just one small problem - Dorothy has dropped a house on a wicked witch, enraging an even more wicked sister who is now hellbent on stealing back her ruby slippers. In order to get back home Dorothy and Toto must travel to the Emerald city to seek an audience with the renowned Wizard of Oz. During their travels along the yellow brick road, they meet a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion who are all lacking in something important, be it a brain, a heart, or the nerve. As this unlikely group set off in search of what they truly desire, not all is as it seems with the great and powerful Oz. As the witch closes in, the team discover that what they were looking for truly was right there all along.

This production is putting a modern spin on Wizard of Oz, and it has peaks and troughs. Many of the original elements of the story have been kept the same, whilst others have been made more contemporary, which unfortunately at times creates a confusing juxtaposition for the audience. Part of the charm of the original story is in its classic origins, and it feels very jarring to have Glinda riding on a Vespa whilst the munchkins take selfies with Dorothy. Likewise the use of visual aids on screens does not always feel in keeping with the story. Whilst the production team must be given praise for their creativity, this feels like a tale that perhaps is best left alone.

That being said, this is a very enjoyable retelling that is pulling out all the stops. There is plenty of the expected colour and glitz, as well as the musical numbers that everyone knows and loves. It has been extremely well cast, something which shows throughout. Craig Revel Horwood is a delightfully wicked Witch, and the audience simply laps him up. Similarly, JLS star Aston Merrygold is clearly a fan favourite, thrilling everyone with his slick dance moves and vocals as the rusty Tin Man. Nic Greenshields has managed to capture the timid yet friendly essence of the Cowardly Lion perfectly, while Benjamin Yates brings a unique, simple feel to the Scarecrow that has everyone in stitches, to compliment his amazing physicality. Having a puppet Toto controlled by an actor is a bold choice that felt initially questionable, but actually allows for some wonderful emotion to surround the character. However, the stand out star here is Aviva Tulley as Dorothy. Her rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ is flawless, easily producing goosebumps and garnering rapturous applause from the entire house. There’s a youthful naivety to her Dorothy that has echoes of the original Judy Garland, which is a welcome recognition.

In short, if you’ve ever enjoyed the movie, then this stage adaptation is a must see. It has plenty of the original charm and charisma, even if it is perhaps a little overzealous in an attempt to embrace modernity. One thing is certain – you’ll be singing ‘We’re Off To See The Wizard’ for a very long time to come!

At Birmingham Hippodrome until 16 June as part of wider UK tour until 11 Aug 2024.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆