The Wizard of Oz at the St Helens Theatre Royal St Helens Review
The Wizard of Oz
Theatre Royal, St Helens
24 October to 1 November 2015
Reviewed by Michelle Wright
Although only 30 minutes away from the Royal Theatre in St Helens, I had never been there – in fact I didn’t even know it existed, so I was delighted to be given the opportunity to visit somewhere different, right on our doorstep!
Our party consisted of 2 mums, a 9 year old and a 4 year old – all as excited as each other to be going on a little adventure to see The Wizard of Oz.
The show times available for when we visited on Saturday were 2pm and 5pm – both great timings for a children’s show. We chose the 5pm knowing we would be home by no later than 8pm anyway.
The Theatre Royal was so easy to find, only 2 roads and we had arrived.
With a free, yes free (!) car park in only a short walk away from the theatre, a cash machine in the bus station opposite and such reasonably priced snacks and drinks from the theatre kiosk, we made our way to the stand to purchase some light up toys for the children to use in the theatre.
As the curtain rose, so did the excitement and anticipation of our night.
The initial back drop was a curved sparkly text stating ‘The Wizard of Oz’ which glimmered when the disco ball caught the light. Fantastic for the eagerly awaiting audience of this small cosy theatre.
The cast of 8 (plus Toto the real dog) were supported throughout the show by 3 dance groups, Sparkle, Fairy Dust and Glitter, who in turn were very enthusiastically (and rightly so) supported by their friends and family in the packed auditorium. The dance groups added fun and energy to the show – just what local pantos should be all about.
As the familiar story unravels, we are introduced to the main characters and the talented cast team, some playing more than one role. It’s clear why the cast chose Charlotte Gallagher to play the main role of Dorothy as her voice was incredible, and at the tender age of 19, she is one I am certain we will see on numerous stages in the future.
It has to be said though, that my out and out favourite performance of the night came from Simon Foster who played the cowardly lion in need of some courage. He was absolutely fabulous! He played the role perfectly and his costume was as cute and cuddly as his personality – each time he came on I wanted to hug him!
Throughout the show there was the usual booing and hissing when the Evil Eva came on, the ‘it’s behind you’ panto scene – all adding to the magic of a good old British pantomime.
Mixed into the tradition was some sparkles of the modern, in particular when the wicked witch sang Let It Go from Disney’s Frozen and Lady Ga Ga’s Edge of Glory! Loved it! A fabulous and unexpected mix bringing the show right up to date.
The curtain dropped just before 7pm making it a perfectly timed show for the little ones – long enough to be special, but short enough to maintain their attention.
The reactions of the night from the two younger members of our party were:
‘I liked all the characters the same – but not the evil witch cos she was scary’ Oliver (4)
‘It was magical! I loved Dorothy, she had an amazing voice, but I also loved the dance groups – they worked so hard’ Scarlett (9)
Whilst at the theatre we picked up the booklet of forthcoming shows and there are some fabulous shows planned including Cinderella and Peter Pan that we have discussed returning to see.
This production is the perfect panto just as we are all thinking about heading into Christmas! The show is running until 1st November so book now to secure your seats and be dazzled by the pure innocence and magic of a real down to earth family show…
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £9 to £38 (booking fees may apply).
The Wizard of Oz is at the Theatre Royal in St. Helens until 1 November 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01744 756000.
St. Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ
