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The Wizard of Oz Wolverhampton Grand ***** I first saw the iconic film in West Virginia, America, as a child, with snow surrounding our house on Christmas 1966. I was captivated, enthralled and enchanted, even if I didn’t understand it all, and have loved the show ever since. Thus, I approached this production with some trepidation, I had my placard declaring: “Don’t mess with my memories” ready. I should not have worried. This production deftly and lovingly retains all that made the original magical whilst giving it a 21st Century makeover some eighty five years after its inception. When you tinker with greatness you take enormous risks. Pretty much every aspect of this reboot works and compliments the Frank Baum original. Not only is the story an iconic classic, so is Dorothy’s song, Over the Rainbow. In the original, Judy Garland sang it as a youthful song of hope. Much covered and re-recorded, it has lost none of its potency, instead gaining it, as it has morphed into a poignant lament on childhood and growing up. Aviva Tulley remarkably embraces both strands in a powerhouse version that thrilled the youngsters and touched the oldies simultaneously. I was reminded what a good story this is. Both a fantasy and a cautionary morality tale, the powerful narrative arc is maintained while being satisfyingly tweaked for a new audience.
Normally, the cast receive the plaudits first in reviews. Here it is the backstage Creatives. Director Nikolai Foster has a vision , sticks to it, and delivers. All the original strengths are retained, whilst 21st century technology affords opportunities for stage not available to the original film makers. The set design by Colin Richmond combines illuminated arches (lighting by Ben Cracknell) with a projected backdrop (Douglas O’Connell) which combines virtual reality, artificial intelligence and gaming. It is stunning, culminating in the wonderful melting scene for the demise of the Wicked Witch. Using live animals on stage is increasingly problematic. The solution is a puppet dog created by Rachel Canning, operated by an onstage puppeteer. This works exceptionally well and affords in itself several dramatic opportunities. The cast is unusually strong. Foster and casting Director Debbie O Brien took a big gamble in casting drag queen The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West- and hit the jackpot. She plays it straight and nasty without a hint of campness and steals the show. She is terrific, delivering a memorable couplet which rhymes shoeless with clueless. Her grenade launcher broomstick is a fabulous special effect, her evil den a mix of Houston NASA mission control, Las Vegas and Times Square New York. Aviva Tulley not only delivers a convincing Over the rainbow, she also carries the role with grace and wonderment. The supporting cast of old favourites do not disappoint. The wonderful Wizard of Oz, (Alex Bourne), Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are all delightful companions for Dorothy. Good witch, Glinda (Emily Bull) is wonderful with a Barbiesque makeover including a pink Vespa scooter for transport and Abigail Mathews excels as puppeteer Toto, signally brilliant and unobtrusive simultaneously. The ensemble combine to effect the unlikely transformation of Wolverhampton to The Emerald City and Kansas. All the adults, including myself were bowled over by this scintillating production which received a much deserved standing ovation. More importantly so were my guests Sol (aged nine) and May (aged eight) ensuring a new generation of devotees for this show which continues at Wolverhampton until the 4th August before continuing on tour to Sunderland the following week. Gary Longden 31-07-24 |
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