Review- The Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep Birmingham
Most of us older folk know the story of The Wizard of Oz so it was so lovely to see so many children at this fabulous show at The Old Rep in Birmingham, everyone was loving watching this iconic story unfold.
The show was directed by the talented Lorna Laidlaw who put on a show that was true to the original but with a slight modern twist in song, local culture and humour.
Jaiden Tsang performed Dorothy to perfection with her undefeated demur and sweet personality that guided the cast along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. She is a future star so remember her name and where you heard it first!
Denise Pitter was Aunt Em and Glinda who dazzled on stage in both appearance and in song. Her quick witted humour and fast paced dialogue had us all in hysterics. Denise had the audience in the palm of her hands and we all loved it- bravo Denise.
Avital Kagan played Ms Gulch and the Wicked Witch to dastardly perfection, she brought all the green and cackling energy to the stage and had us all hissing and booing at her mean actions and words. Avital can also belt out a tune and we all couldnt help but join in, I think she put a spell on us?!
Oraine Johnson as Dickory and the Tinman was super talented as both characters and we really wanted him to get his heart from the Wizard. His smooth moves and comedy timing wasn’t stiff at all, he was a smooth operator.
Jordan Laidley as Doc and Lion had us all in hysterics with his animal antics and calamitous attempts at bravery. The children loved his kind demur and cheered him on to get his wish of bravery.
Julie Baker as Hickory and Scarecrow was very bouncy for a scarecrow, she bounded around the stage at a pace and was full of energy and humour. She had us laughing along with her and sometimes at her but she didn’t mind as she was so happy and so were we .
Matthew Christmas played Uncle Henry and Oz with flair and panache, he was steadfast and reliable as Uncle Henry and a bit scared of Aunt Em. He delivered all the majesty and grandeur of the Wizard until they found him out !
The supporting ensemble cast were a pure joy to watch and they all performed to perfection, not a line or foot or ruby slipper out of place. They were a credit to BOA Stage and Screen Academy and The Old Rep.
So if your new to the story or not this is a must see show this festive season that delivers everything that you want from a family show,a brilliant story, a bit of audience participation, amazing singing, hilarious comedy and a happy ending.
So follow the yellow brick road and book your tickets HERE you won’t be disappointed !
Signed Performances
10th December @ 10:15am
29th December @ 7:00pm
Relaxed Performances
5th December @ 10:15am
27th December @ 2:30pm
Don your ruby slippers this Christmas and Join the cast as they hop, skip, and jump their way down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City via Birmingham! Showing until the 31 Dec 2024
For those that don’t know the story!
Dorothy loves her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry but she spends most of her days daydreaming of a place where she and her little dog Toto can escape Kansas and live a life free from the troubles, trials and tribulations of the farm.
What Dorothy hadn’t planned for though was a tempestuous tornado whisking her away to a strange and magical land with no way of getting back home. Not only that, but her crash-landing arrival into Oz angers the vile and viscous villain, the Wicked Witch of the West!
This adventure follows Dorothy who, with the help of the Good Witch Glinda, a spirited scarecrow, a tender tinman, and a loveable lion, follows the yellow brick road to try and find a way home. Encountering both friends and foes during her quest through the colourful kingdom, watch as Dorothy and her charismatic companions journey to the Emerald City.
Leading the way in her sparkling ruby slippers, will Dorothy have the brains, heart, and courage to find the wonderful wizard, save Oz from the Wicked Witch, and safely get back home to Kansas?
This dazzling production promises to be a feast for the senses and a treat for all the family. The Wizard of Oz will be an unforgettable panto extravaganza making it an unmissable experience this festive season.
