Arts > Musical

The Wizard of Oz

29/02/24

It is one hundred and twenty five years since L. Frank Baum's children's fantasy novel, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', was first published in America. Finally (rather like the re-surfacing of the A11), a staged version of the yellow brick road has reached Norwich. It is a modern musical version from Curve Productions, largely inspired by the 1939 Academy award winning film that starred Judy Garland. But, as we say ‘round these parts, ‘Can it cut the mustard?’

With original music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, augmented and adapted by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, this rejuvenation opened in the West End in 2011. The touring version is at Norwich Theatre Royal this week until Sunday March 3rd.

And what a show it is. A stunning production with a talented cast, led by the sensational Aviva Tulley in the role of Dorothy (She is still remembered here in Norwich from her role as Nabulungi in 'The Book of Mormon'). Tulley breathes fresh young life into Dorothy, capturing perfectly her independent spirit, her sense of determination and loyalty, and with a voice guaranteed to melt hearts.

Joining Dorothy on her sojourn along the yellow brick road are Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow, Marley Fenton as the Tin Man and Nic Greenshields as the Cowardly Lion. Each brings a sparkling new dimension to these iconic characters, their dance moves and comic timing delivering warmth and pathos in equal measure. And let us not forget Toto, who is brought to life charmingly by puppeteer Abigail Matthews.

'The Vivienne' is a revelation as The Wicked Witch of The West – deliciously evil and glamorous in equal measure. And theatre and television legend Gary Wilmot is reassuringly solid in the twin roles of Professor Marvel and The Wizard. Meanwhile, Emily Bull hits both targets in her twin roles of Aunt Em and Good Witch Glinda, and is also radiantly regal on her pastel pink electric scooter.

As for the production, the spectacular use of three-dimensional CGI is absolutely spot-on, providing a whole host of stage effects, and a variety of topical visual gags that would otherwise not have been possible. Both the Kansas twister and the period feel of The Emerald City are dramatic and stylised, but never distract from the live action on stage. The Wicked Witch’s henchmen have the industrialised look of steam punk, and the Emerald City lends a certain nod to both Terry Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’, and Roger Waters’ ‘The Wall’.

This adapatation of 'The Wizard of Oz' is a truly magical musical experience, performed by an ensemble cast of individual stars, all resolute in their quest to follow the Yellow Brick Road. Now, come on Norwich, let’s be ‘aving you, and let’s be off to see the wizard, too.