A startling realisation struck me as soon as I entered Nottingham’s Theatre Royal lobby. I came into not one, but two people who had not yet experienced The Wizard of Oz’s magic among the audience of people excitedly anticipating the curtain to rise.
It is remarkable to consider that the iconic movie, which is a remarkable 75 years old, is still a mainstay of film history and tells a timeless story of friendship, adventure, and the search for one’s place.
The Wizard of Oz :- theatre review
The enthralling tale of Dorothy Gale, a little girl carried away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the fantastical world of Oz, is told in the film The Wizard of Oz, for those who haven’t seen it.
Dorothy’s house unintentionally falls on the Wicked Witch of the East as she arrives, killing her and releasing the Munchkins from her oppressive rule. Dorothy had to travel the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in order to get assistance from The Wizard of Oz in order to get back home. Along the road, she becomes friends with a Tin Man who is in need of a heart, a Scarecrow who is looking for brains, and a Cowardly Lion who is looking for courage.
In the end, it’s a story that masterfully combines lessons about bravery, friendship, and realising that sometimes, the things we most want are already within of us.
The performance, directed by the visionary Nikolai Foster, brings the renowned story of L. Frank Baum into the present day without sacrificing its soul.
It promises to be a spellbinding event for audiences of all ages and is full of imagination, skill, and technical magic.
This performance is far from being a simple revival, thanks to Colin Richmond’s inventive set designs that transport viewers from a dusty Kansas farm to the colourful Land of Oz, as well as the superb stage effects and multimedia integration that bring the tornado to life. It’s a new, but accurate, celebration of a tale that audiences still find incredibly moving.
One more excellent aspect is the casting. The entire ensemble is incredibly talented, even if Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West is the featured lead and she is fantastic as well.
Benjamin Yates, who played the Scarecrow, deserves special recognition as well. The relationship between Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion is flawless and adds warmth and laughter to their adventure.
The plot progresses with a delicious antagonism provided by Vivienne’s Wicked Witch of the West, who perfectly combines sass and terror.
There is never a dull moment in the play thanks to the ensemble cast, who play everything from flying monkeys to Munchkins. They also bring layers of colour and movement.
The show is a musical triumph. Together with brand-new Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber compositions that mostly blend into the narrative, the well-known songs from the 1939 movie are played with zest.
These new songs enhance the story of the first film and provide new opportunities for interaction by reiterating the themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
The choreography and orchestration enhance the score, producing works that are striking to look at and powerful to feel.
But the unique quality of this production is its ability to appeal to a wider audience while maintaining the spirit of the beloved “The Wizard of Oz.”
The show delicately but effectively emphasises the themes of home, identity, and the strength of community—themes that are highly relevant in today’s society.
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By achieving a balance between innovation and homage to the original, the use of contemporary technology enriches the narrative without taking centre stage. The ensemble and creative team have succeeded in creating a production that is both familiar and innovative, replete with inspiring, thought-provoking, and joyful moments.
For some who have grown up with the tale, it is a fun trip down memory lane; for others, it is a chance to discover the wonders of Oz for the first time.
Nottingham’s Theatre Royal is hosting a performance of The Wizard of Oz through Saturday, April 13, 2024.
