Christmas Magic From The Wizard Of Oz

Unless you want to upset the Wicked Witch of the West (Midlands) then you really need to get yourself a ticket to The Old Rep‘s Christmas offering, The Wizard of Oz. Blending the classic story with all the fun of panto, this version of the perennial favourite is funny, sweet and super entertaining. I went along on Saturday and can honestly say that I (and my family) absolutely loved it. It is exactly what Christmas entertainment is all about.

The story is the classic story of Dorothy Gale, who, during a twister, is transported, with her dog Toto, from Kansas to a wonderful land called OZ. Everyone in Oz looks familiar, especially the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, but all Dorothy really wants to do is get back home to Kansas. The help of the legendary Wizard of Oz may just get Dorothy home, unless the Wicked Witch of the West finds Dorothy first and gets her hands on the ruby red slippers.

This is very much the Wizard of Oz in a panto tradition, so rather than the traditional songs we have a mix of pop songs, including a very funny version of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ from the Cowardly Lion. Performances are great, with standouts including Jaiden Tsang as Dorothy, who has the most beautiful singing voice, and Denise Pitter in the double role of Aunt Em and Glinda. She really holds the whole show together, and is not only great in her dual roles, but is also brilliant in her ad libbing too. Avital Kagan is a rather glamorous Wicked Witch, clearly revelling in the role, whilst Matthew Christmas once again returns to the Rep and has some very funny one liners which he delivers with perfect comic timing. But it is the trio of Oraine Johnson as Tinman, Jordan Laidley as Lion and Julie Baker as Scarecrow who are the real crowd pleasers. They play their roles to perfection, not just delivering the lines with panache, but also showing real skills in both dancing (Johnson) and physical comedy (Laidley and Baker). I absolutely adored this trio who are just perfect in their roles.

The ensemble for the BOA Group are lovely, and really add some charming touches to the overall show.

This is ultimate crowd pleasing that is perfect Christmas entertainment for the whole family.

For ticket information, please visit The Old Rep Theatre’s website

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