27 January 2024 I 14:30 I Hull New Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to be honest, and I feel like a terrible theatre kid for saying that I have never seen the 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard Of Oz, based on the L. Frank Baum original novel. Nikolai Foster's contemporary direction is somewhat like a wild hallucination of colour and spectacle. However this is everything that draws me in to a musical. The production value is immensely impressive, with a hybrid multimedia design that revels in creative staging opportunities, enhancing the true magic of Oz. There's no place like... Hull when The Wizard Of Oz is here!!
Returning to the style of multimedia, Douglas O'Connell's projection work breaks the traditional boundaries of what a stage musical can do, experimenting with vivid imagery to bring the magic of the story to fruition. Set pieces (designed by Colin Richmond) are often fleeting, where combinations of larger than life screenwork and clever props allow for seamless transitions between scenes. Especially the infamous tornado sequence, when we are confronted by whirling scenery and Iestyn Griffiths' orchestra, you are truly enveloped inside the action. The soundtrack is delivered with might, yet a bouncy lovability to reminisce over the familiar songs. With Webber and Rice adapting the show, the amalgamation of modern and classic songs is almost impossible to differentiate. The earworms are never ending!!
The stage is humongous, and although it may find itself empty, Shay Barclay's choreography work more than makes up for this, as bodies generate the energy. It's all about the way the actors hold their bodies, portraying a delicate affluence to the rigidness of the Wicked Witch's minions, which builds the atmosphere in itself. And this is where The Wizard Of Oz triumphs over Wicked, where this production of removes the static, using Barclay's movement to never have a single dull moment!
Leading with the role of Dorothy, Sydney Spencer is endlessly joyous, enhancing everything the plot holds. She is such an endearing actress, incredibly special to watch her emotive journey, and easy to sympathise. Also, you HAVE to be there for Spencer's Over The Rainbow, you rarely see such solo excellence in performance, a treat for an engrossed and packed audience! With puppetry design from Rachael Canning, a small Toto is an adorable companion, sharing the tale and allowing for such beautiful relationships. Tyler Ephraim brings the puppet to life, where the attention to detail with tail wagging etc. ignites the genuine comfort of a dog.
The Vivienne, star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK delivers the role of The Wicked Witch Of The West, and wicked truly is the name!! I am a fan of The Vivienne myself, but from an unbiased view, drag really elevates the theatrics required. She handles the role to perfection, where the level of menace is antagonising (and rather unhinged!), yet still a playfulness that is entertaining for children, an all round excellent family show!
Contrasted brilliantly by Emily Bull's Glinda, Canning's costume work greatly sets their two worlds apart almost in a pantomime's aesthetic, nonetheless serious with heartfelt themes. Bull's soprano vocals are phenomenal, and her little scooter is wonderful, modernising the well known tale with an extra bit of sparkle! Benjamin Yates as the Scarecrow is my favourite performer of the afternoon, with an irresistible cheeky chappy smile, such an incredible way of moving his body. I adore his character work, every tiny little movement is executed with such passion!
Additionally, I have to credit Hull New Theatre for an excellent hospitality from their venue and staff. While my ticket has not been gifted via PR, the team have been extremely generous in offering me a complimentary programme for coming along. Their reception is always extremely warm and welcoming, I will have many more trips planned for the future no doubt!
The Wizard Of Oz had always been a performance that I haven't been fully convinced by, however THIS is the 2024 hit I have been waiting for to absolutely stun me!! The way you truly lost in the Merry Old Land Of Oz, engrossed within this cinematically inspired stage wonder. Indeed it is hectic in every way possible, but if you're going to stage The Wizard Of Oz, it can't be done better than this!
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