The show opened to a rousing ensemble performance of ‘Oh, what a beautiful morning’, ironically from the show ‘Oklahoma’ (considering that the setting was Kansas). In pantomime tradition, the show included snippets throughout of popular songs, particularly from the 80’s and 90’s, generally sung by either the central character of Dorothy or her friends the Lion, the Tin Man & the Scarecrow. Interestingly, the only song performed in any significant length was Meatloaf’s ‘Bat out of Hell’ sung with gusto by the Wicked Witch of the West. The use of music throughout served to keep the pace consistent rather than providing unnecessary fillers.
The staging relied largely on back-screens with some flats (particularly for the Emerald City set) but compensated up for by vibrant costumes and effective lighting (with an emphasis on green!). An open stage was necessary in any case for the senior and junior troupes of dancers (who various served as residents of Kansas, Munchkin land and the Wicked Witch’s castle). A nice touch, as a nod to the movie, was that all the staging and costumes, were black and white, for Kansas scenes, exploding into bright colour for Munchkinland. A large video backscreen was only used to any great extent showing Dorothy’s house whisked up in a cyclone, but this was effectively done.
Kay Nicholson’s direction ensured a fast pace, with the story dialogue and song snippets interspersed with regular quick-fire gags as well as frequent ribald double-entendres (presumably aimed at the adults in the audience!).
Full stage black-outs were regularly used for dramatic effect, rather than simply there to allow for a change of scenery. This worked very well, effectively linked with music and contrasted nicely with all the montages of colour. The only occasion where this was questionable was an extended scene of puppetry, which seemed to come out of nowhere on the premise that the circus had come to town! (does Munchkinland really have touring entertainment companies?).
This was naturally an ensemble production and it was noteworthy that all cast members maintained convincing American accents throughout the show. Mia Molley was very expressive as Dorothy, managing to look genuinely scared on a number of occasions, whilst for the most part appearing to be thoroughly enjoying herself, despite having to regularly restrain the live dog on stage. David Heath as the Scarecrow came over as something of a frustrated stand-up comedian (being was very funny in the process!). Shea Ferron was an excellent Tin Man, creating at times real pathos as a metal being wanting to feel human emotions and Hannah Riley was lovable as the cowardly lion.
Hayley Russell provided warmth as Glenda the good witch, wearing a huge frame-dress, that was possibly a little too cumbersomely Tudor in style. Katy McKenna in contrast was a sexy wicked witch, clad in a figure-hugging split dress and given plenty of amusing interplay with the audience, every member of whom she regarded as very ugly! Warren Donnelly had the charisma of the Wizard although a great drama opportunity was missed in the reveal of his real power, or lack of it (admittedly, it would be hard to train a dog to do this as depicted in the film).
This was a funny, fast-paced and very enjoyable show, and unlike some panto-style shows, genuinely having something for all ages.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ is on at the Epstein Theatre until 9th April
More details at https://epsteintheatre.com
Reviewer - John Waterhouse
On - 04.04.26
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