The Wizard of Oz remains a cornerstone of ageless storytelling, arguably ranking among the most beloved, iconic musicals of all time.
From a young age, this musical has held a very special place in my heart so I entered The Palace Theatre with very high expectations.
Directed by Nikolai Foster, this rendition of Oz is given a slightly modernised twist; from the unique depiction of the Yellow Brick Road and the use of large-scale video backdrops to munchkins snapping selfies with Dorothy and the contemporary vision of Oz itself, many aspects of the story are refreshed in a manner that felt entirely new to me.
The cast was led by Aviva Tulley playing Dorothy Gale. As the young heroine yearning for a life beyond the mundane existence of Kansas, she finds herself inexplicably transported to the enchanting land of Oz. Aviva, undoubtedly a talent to be reckoned with, has a vocal range that rivals her years, and her stage presence was exceptional. Entrusted with the production's most iconic song, her performance of "Over the Rainbow" was absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to see more from Aviva in the future - truly the star of the show.
The production's comedy largely stemmed from Dorothy's trio of friends, played in satisfyingly complementary styles. Benjamin Yates, as the no-brained Scarecrow, had the audience roaring with laughter at his impeccable comedic timing and frequent breaks of the fourth wall, while Aston Merrygold breathed new life and energy into his role as the charming, body-popping Tin Man.
A personal favourite for us was Jason Manford's portrayal of the Cowardly Lion, whose characterisation paid homage to the film while simultaneously adding his own distinct energy and humour, eliciting smiles and applause from the audience throughout.
Dorothy's other companion, Toto, is played in puppet form courtesy of Abigail Matthews, who did a wonderful job of animating him. Once you've become accustomed to the device, Abigail proves a discreet presence behind the furry friend's curious movements and wagging tail.
The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of The West was nothing short of mesmerising. Each and every time she entered the stage, she exuded a chilling blend of terror and malevolence - her stage presence was unmatched, leaving us completely spellbound and unable to look away.
Any production of The Wizard of Oz is faced with the somewhat daunting task of bringing to life a story that has been adored by so many since the book was published more than a century ago. However, I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the show and my expectations were exceeded. A beautiful, vibrant take on such a heartwarming, magical story.
Buy your tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/palace-theatre-manchester/. The Wizard of Oz will be on at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until May 5.
