As we approach the festive season, some theatres are looking at presenting an alternative to the traditional Christmas pantomime. Leicester Curve have played a blinder by comitting to perhaps one of the best loved of all fantasy shows. The Wizard Of Oz has endeared itself to the public for over 80 years, through the iconic 1939 movie which had become a fixture of the Christmas TV schedules, and now streaming services. Despite it's enormous popularity, it does come with some pitfalls. The performances and look of the movie have become part of its legend, so conjuring up a new version of the tale is bound to be difficult as the public is so well engrained with what is seen as the definitive screen version.
But the people at Leicester Curve like a challenge, director Nikolai Foster has assembled a formidable team of talents both on and off stage to bring the magic alive. The combined talents of set designer Colin Richmond, projection designer Douglas O'Connell and costume and puppet designer Rachael Canning are the real stars of the evening. We are presented with a lavish interpreation, which opens with sweeping projections over Kansas as we hone in on the farm where Dorothy Gale lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. The entire show is a feast for the eyes at every level. Abstract designs are employed in many hues to conjur up the magical land of Oz.
Dorothy is played by the talented Georgina Onuorah (whom I saw giving a wonderful Cinderella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical earlier in the year) and here she employs her beautiful voice to great effect, finding the real pathos in 'Over The Rainbow'. She is joined by three powerhouse performers Jonny Fines (Scarecrow), Paul French (Tin Man) and Giovanni Spanó (Lion) who have the difficult task of not replicating the movie, but each finds their own take on these most famous of characters. Christina Bianco is a stylish scooter riding Glinda the good fairy, but of course the most enjoyable scenes are provided by Miss Gulch alias The Wicked Wicked of the West played by Ellie Mitchell. Ellie stepped into the role of the Witch at short notice when the actress playing her was indisposed, and credit where it is due, Mitchell was amazing. Nobody would ever have known, had it not been a speech at the curtain call, that with minimal rehearsal a cover had stepped in. Bravo. Despite all the talented performers on stage, inevitably the scenes are often stolen by the puppet Toto who won the kids over throughout the show. Never perform with children, animals or puppets it seems because you will be upstaged every time.
In this version of the show, there are extra songs by West End legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, but in effect these are not really very memorable. And for my money could easily be cut in favour of giving the characters more time to breath, the scenes zip by at such a rate that there is little chance for us to really get to know the characters. Perhaps its a desire to keep the running time modest for fear of restlessness among the younger children, personally I felt it needed to slow down a little in places so we can take in what is happening and work up some empathy for the characters.
The eleven piece band were certainly on top form, blasting out the music in a manner which would have many a West End show struggling to keep up. Overall the show is bright, bold and classily presented and is yet another example of why Leicester Curve now lead the way with musical revivals.
It was lovely to see Judy Garland as Dorothy looking down on the final scene, as if her presence empowered the efforts of all involved. The Wizard Of Oz remains a huge crowd pleaser of a show and this Yellow Brick Road should certainly lead to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for the Curve. Get those ruby slippers on and head for the Emerald City whilst you can.
Rob Cope
Further information on this production can be found HERE
