I first reviewed Curve’s brilliant production of The Wizard of Oz at Curve Leicester in November 2022 for What’s On Stage with another young reviewer also giving it five stars for East Midlands Theatre. It’s a knock out toe tapping show with plenty of almost cinematic staging and the beloved characters of Dorothy, The Scarecrow and The Tin Man all joining up on a madcap crusade to follow the yellow brick road in the fantastical land of Oz to find the Wizard to grant them their wishes.
Nikolai Foster’s broad creative vision for the show combined with the creative talents of George Dyer who adapted Andrew Lloyd Webbers’ orchestrations, Colin Richmond’s highly impressive and inventive set designs, Ben Cracknell’s startling lighting design, Douglas O’Connell’s wondrously creative projection designs, the wacky costumes and puppetry designs of Rachel Canning and the pin sharp and sometimes explosive sound design of Adam Fisher are Oz Tastic creative genius. From L. Frank Baum’s original story, the musical’s lyrics by E.Y. Harburg and additional lyrics by Tim Rice to the army of talented people associated with putting on a huge show like this we salute you. Oh and there’s the hard working and gifted performers as well. What would we do without them and their happier than happy family audiences on this current UK tour.
The 2024 touring cast are so perfectly cast you want to magically bundle them up into your handbag or man bag or best quality Tesco carrier bag and bring them out any time you are in need of some good cheer, a belly laugh or want to be part of their wonderous adventures somewhere over the rainbow. We could all do with a bit of that. Well maybe not the evil Wicked Witch of The West played with ferocious green-faced flair, plenty of growling spite, swirling frockcoat and lashings of dark humour by The Vivienne. She may not be able to steal Dorothy’s ruby red sparkling slippers darlings but by crikey she certainly gets very close to stealing the show!
As for Dorothy (Aviva Tulley), The Scarecrow and Hunk (Benjamin Yates), The Tin Man and Hickory (Femi Akinfolarin) and The Cowardly Lion and Zeke (Nic Greenshields) and not forgetting lovable puppet Toto (Abigail Matthews) this Nottingham Theatre Royal audience take them instantly into their accepting open hearts. The terrific cast all gift us their beautiful singing, plenty of humour both physical and verbal and the playing and playfulness of that cute doggy rascal Toto is adorable. Emily Bull radiates as the pink scooter riding good fairy Glinda and in a change from the original casting in 2022 she also plays Aunt Em. Alex Bourne plays the comedy role of the actual Wizard of Oz and Professor Marvel and does so with plenty of charm and double crossing wit.
The Wizard of Oz ensemble are probably one of the busiest and varied ensembles I have ever seen in professional musical theatre productions. Their combined energy practically blows the roof off the Nottingham Theatre Royal building and “Oh My!” their rapid costume changes must be a technicolour backstage blur. Shay Barclay’s choreography is totally infectious.
The Wizard of Oz runs at Nottingham Theatre Royal until 13th April with limited availability so book now.
Age Guidance: 6+
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+
This production uses pyros, haze, smoke effects and flashing lights
