The Wizard Of Oz at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Last night we had a family theatre night at Milton Keynes Theatre to watch the Touring Production of The Wizard of Oz. When classic musicals like this are reproduced, I think it’s important to go with an open mind and no preconceptions because they are not always true to the original film musical we all know and love. I was, however, a little apprehensive because Craig Revel Horwood is billed as the star of the show in the role of The Wicked Witch Of The West and I hadn’t enjoyed his portrayal of Miss Hannigan in Annie last year.
I feel I need to just get this out of the way so that I can continue with my review of what was ultimately a fantastic show! Craig Revel Horwood, in my opinion, ruined it for me. With his dodgy American accent and his bad panto villain portrayal, he turned it into just that, a pantomime! Never have I been so invested in a song as when they killed his character off and sang ‘Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead’! Of course not everyone would agree with me because there were still lots of clapping and cheers directed at him. Thankfully the rest of the cast over compensated for his bad performance and the rest of my review will be nothing but glowing!
The cast was possibly one of the best vocal casts I have seen in a long time. All the old favourites from the original film along with some new songs written by Andrew Lloyd Webber were performed effortlessly and seamlessly. Aviva Tulley who played Dorothy was incredible and definitely has a great musical career ahead of her, and the guys playing the Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Lion all provide great comical performances. However, there was really nothing in it between the main characters and ensemble. Every person on that stage (with the exception of the forementioned) was at the top of their game and for me it was an outstanding performance!
Despite everything I’ve just said, the star of the show, of course, has to go to Toto and their ‘handler’. Dorothy’s sidekick was portrayed by puppeteer Abigail Matthews. The puppet dog was super cute, but the movement around stage, the head and the wag of the tail etc was so convincing that we focused entirely on the dog and completely forgot that Abigail was holding it.
So finally onto the set and costume because the cast can only go so far to make a show great. I am pleased to say this show nailed this too. Utterly incredible. From the moment you entered the theatre it was a kaleidoscope of colour. The use of lighting, a rear cinematic screen, projections and awesome costumes had me invested for the entire show. And what I really liked is that they hadn’t tried to reinvent any characters, so the flying monkeys remained monkeys and the munchkins were munchkins (albeit played by adults). The theme had a 60’s, American high school type vibe to it but I don’t think this took anything away from the show, more so enhanced it.
I’m gutted I can’t give this show a 5/5 because of their casting of the wicked witch. It stayed true to the original story, most of the songs were what we know and love and the whole delivery was impeccable. I think it is probably worth enduring Craig Revel Horwood just to experience this show!
Rating: 4.5/5
The Wizard of Oz is showing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 21st July 2024
Tickets available from £13.00
Find more details and booking at the ATG website https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/milton-keynes-theatre/