The Wizard Of Oz At The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wong
“Theres no place like home, theres no place like home” and theres no place like the Epstein Theatre for a guaranteed family show filled to the brim with fun, entertainment and giggles. This half-term the Regal Entertainment team are treating us to the wonderful story of The Wizard of Oz. The Theatre is a lovely little theatre just 5 minutes’ walk from Lime street station. Being central in the city of Liverpool; it’s easy to get to and definitely worth the visit. With friendly staff and a small theatre feel it’s a perfect place to bring the family.
The Wizard of Oz is a classic story about the Kansas dwelling Dorothy (played by Rebecca Bryan), who along with her little dog Toto (played by Buddy and Benny) gets into a bit of trouble around the farm where she lives in with her Aunt Em. However, following a twister something isn’t quite right and Dorothy find’s that she has been transported to strange new land full of magic and some strange goings on. She meets Glinda the good witch (played by Hayley Russell) and discovers that her house fell on a Wicked Witch whose sister is not too happy about this and vows to kill Dorothy and her dog. All Dorothy wants is to get home and with the protection of the ruby slippers, which the Wicked Witch (played by Tori Hargreaves) believes belong to her, she sets off along the yellow brick road. Her destination is the Emerald City where she hopes to meet the great and powerful Wizard of Oz (played by Adam Melville) whose unrivalled magic is the best chance she has of returning home. During her journey, Dorothy makes a number of friends; the Scarecrow (played by Reece Sibbald), the Tinman (played by Chris Edgerley) and the Cowardly Lion (played by Michael Alan-Bailey). They become great friends on their adventure, bonded by the fact they all each want the Wizard of Oz to grant them a wish. With the Wicked Witch hot on their heels and doing everything in her power to stop them, the new friends must overcome evil to get to the Wizard and do what they can to help Dorothy get home.
The show design and costumes were great at helping to tell the story which reflected that of the original film with some familiar tunes as well as music from The Wiz and an array of songs that appeal to the whole family. The Wicked Witch was a favourite character with her evil comments and her interaction with the audience who all thoroughly enjoyed booing and hissing her upon every entrance. The Scarecrow stole the show, with his cheeky smile and his naughty jokes that worked for both children and grown-ups alike. There was something for everyone. Look out for the shrinking spell that had us splitting our sides and the UV show that had the kids mesmerised. The kids especially loved Toto (an actual real dog) who was so well behaved on the stage and definitely added the cuteness factor to the show.
Rating: This is a fantastic Panto, I give it a 5/5 with everything you would want for the whole family. If you haven’t been to a Panto before, this one is a great one to start with and if you’re looking for something to do with the whole family this October half-term look no further!
The show is on until 30th October and tickets can be purchased at https://www.epsteintheatre.co.uk/events/wizard-of-oz/ from as little as £15, with concessions and family tickets available.