Probably the most famous theatre in the world is hosting one of the most famous stories in the world and that combination attracted just about everyone who fills our TV screens to the London Palladium for the opening of The Wizard of Oz, writes Michael Holland.
This is a big Lloyd Webber show with big songs – the originals known around the world – so there is little room for error. And there was little error because this has been fine-tuned over many months before its arrival in the West End.
We start in dust-bowl destitution with the poor folk of Kansas battening down the hatches before the storm comes to blow away their houses and corn crop. Dorothy (Georgina Onuorah), however, and her dog Toto get caught up in the whirlwind and finds herself crash-landing on a wicked witch in Munchkinland, killing her stone dead. The Munchkins are overjoyed but the deceased has a sister witch (Diana Pilkington) who is not happy and wants Dorothy’s glittering red shoes that give magical powers. A trip to see the Wizard of Oz (Gary Wilmot) is advised so off Dorothy goes, picking up a motley crew on the way.
Of course, the journey is no easy ride but they eventually get there with the brainless, heartless and the cowardly in the troupe firmly tested on the way.
On arrival, the Wizard tells Dorothy she has to get the Wicked Witch’s broom, which leads us into the second part of the story, entailing more wicked witch problems, more songs and more adventures at supersonic speed.
Who knew Jason Manford (Cowardly Lion) could sing? Not me. Who guessed dance man Ashley Banjo couldn’t? Yeh, probably, but as the Tin Man he had ample opportunity to show off his impressive robot moves, much to the pleasure of all those whooping every body-popping jerk in the audience.
This production of The Wizard of Oz has had a good run at The Curve, Leicester before this run, so we were getting its best version, and it showed. It is a slick extravaganza of pinball machine bright lights, music and movement that takes you on a journey of joy.
We were all bouncing along the Yellow Brick Road, all eager to see Over The Rainbow, and extremely happy to hear that the witch is dead. And all the happiness was created by everyone on and off the stage.
But, as well as Nikolai Foster’s direction, and a set by Colin Richmond, quietly bounding around the sometimes overwhelming sight and sounds was Toto, magically brought to life by Puppeteer Ben Thompson; and even Musical Director George Dyer was a star as he energetically brought his orchestra up to sizzling point and beyond.
London Palladium, Argyll street, W1F 7TF until September 3rd. Times: Wed – Sat 7pm; Thur & Sat matinees 2pm; Sunday 1pm & 5pm. Admission: £25 – £154.50.
Booking: www.lwtheatre.co.uk
