Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ, Curve Leicester

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

It has been proven once again that there’s no place like Curve this Christmas, with their brand new production and regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz, which sees Leicester through the festive season. It’s a story we all know and love, with many of us growing up with the 1939 film classic starring Judy Garland, yet this production has been given a new lease of life and we – at WEBF – are here for it!

Colin Richmond’s set design integrates seamlessly with Douglas O’Connell’s projection to create the world of Kansas and Oz in turn. This paired with Rachael Canning’s costumes and Ben Cracknell’s lighting creates great variation between the two settings, with muted tones for the Midwest vs bright, bold colours for the fantasy land that Dorothy is transported to.

Nikolai Foster’s direction is incredibly clear from the outset but there is definitely the assumption that everyone knows the plot so certain scenes feel a little rushed. This could be down to the adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams. Some of the text has probably been sacrificed in order to shoehorn new musical numbers into the piece, in addition to those iconic ones from the MGM film. This, however, is not a problem as new songs such as ‘Red Shoes Blues’ and ‘Already Home’ are phenomenal musical theatre tunes that belong in the show. New orchestrations by David Cullen and adapted by George Dyer also contribute to the fresh feel of the show, with the lovely inclusion of previously used melodies cropping up in dance breaks for other songs, for example.

Shay Barclay’s choreography is a real highlight, with a lot of hip-hop and commercial influences – we will forever remember the Winkie Guard march! It’s lovely to see the entire cast getting involved in the choreography too, as opposed to the ensemble alone. Barclay has played to the company’s strengths and must be commended for it.

The lynchpin of this vibrant ensemble cast is Georgina Onuorah as Dorothy. She has an endearing dream like quality and wide eyed innocence about her, yet she is a strong female lead and has a wonderful chemistry with her on stage companions. Her vocal tone is notably exquisite throughout but especially during ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’. Whilst you don’t get a great deal of time to warm up to her character, she puts in the legwork which means you are on side quickly.

Jonny Fines gives an athletic performance as the Scarecrow and has a great deal of presence and star quality when on stage. He also demonstrates intelligent comic timing in providing laughs through his character’s forgetfulness. Paul French’s Tin Man looks like he has been lifted out of another of Lloyd Webber’s shows, Starlight Express! He has brilliant physicality and whilst this could be maintained a little more throughout rather than dipping in and out, he makes informed character choices. The Lion, played by Giovanni Spano, is entirely lovable and completes this delightful quartet…or should I say quintet to include Toto, expertly puppeteered by Ben Thompson.

Due to the indisposition of Charlotte Jaconelli as the Wicked Witch of the West last night, we were treated to Ellie Mitchell in the role who gives the perfect ‘love to hate’ performance. She could go further with the menace but here is another example of an understudy stepping in last minute and marking her territory by smashing it. A special mention must also be given to super swing Christina Shand who, in turn, took on Ellie’s ensemble track. The Christina of the Bianco variety is VASTLY underused as Glinda. There is no end to this woman’s talents and she may be small but she is mighty! The material she is given, however, is sensationally delivered and she commands the stage on her pink Vespa.

A dynamic, joyful new adaptation of a timeless classic.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

The Wizard of Oz plays at Curve, Leicester until 8 January 2023, with tickets available here.