The Wizard Of Oz At Wolves Grand

A new version of that evergreen classic The Wizard of Oz arrived at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week, taking its audience on a truly magical journey to Oz that is not to be missed. Keeping all the elements that make this a much loved classic, but adding glorious modern technology to create wonderful backdrops and staging, and with an utterly brilliant cast, this production shows why we will never tire of going ‘Somewhere over the rainbow.’

The story is so well known it doesn’t need repeating, but for those who have been living under a rock, a young girl in Kansas, Dorothy Gale, who is worried she is going to lose her dog to the horrible local harridan Ms Gulch, decides to run away. Before she can get far, a whirlwind hits her home, and unable to get in, she is instead transported to a wonderful land of munchkins, her house landing on, and killing, the wicked witch of the East. With the help of Glinda, the good witch, and a pair of ruby red slippers that were once the property of the witch now under the house, Dorothy sets off the see the Wizard of Oz in the hope of returning home. But the Wicked Witch of the West is on her tail, so it is lucky that Dorothy meets new friends, the Scarecrow, The Tin man and the Lion, who are also in search of something they might just find in OZ.

As Dorothy, Aviva Tulley is wonderful. She gives an innocent, utterly charming performance and has stunning, crystal clear vocals that make the signature song just soar. Her three pals, the scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion are brilliantly played by Benjamin Yates, Femi Akinfolarin and Nick Greenshields, they are all often hilarious, and perform with athleticism and wit, totally winning over the audience with ease. Emily Bull is a sassy, glamorous Glinda, all sparkly on a pink moped (a modern touch I love), whilst Alex Bourne is great as the Wizard and Professor Marvel. The cast is rounded out by David Burrows as Uncle Henry who gives a world weary slant to the proceedings.

And then there is The Vivienne. As someone who’s never watched a single episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race, The Vivienne is an unknown quality for me, but this is a sensational performance. Powerful vocals and a persona that dominates proceedings, this is a performance that has everything, a true wow that is not to be missed.

Toto is an adorable, very realistic puppet that is wonderfully controlled by Abigail Matthews, whilst the ensemble perform with aplomb as the Munchkins, the residents of Oz and the Queens Guards. There is not a weak link in this cast, it is absolutely perfect.

The songs still take the heart, the story is timeless and I don’t think there is a better show to see this Summer. The amazing, CGI set, which creates the image of OZ, and Kansas, is magical, and adding Judy Garland to backdrop is a lovely touch. All in all, The Wizard of Oz is simply enchanting.

Sharing is caring!