The Wizard Of Oz At St. Helens Theatre Royal Review

Reviewed by Rebecca Wong

It’s half-term. Which means looking for lots of affordable things to do with the kids that we can all enjoy as a family. So, myself and my 7 and 9 year old were excited to head to St. Helens to see their latest panto the Wizard of Oz. This is one of my favourite stories and a film I’ve seen more than a few times!

The story follows Dorothy, who lives on a farm in Kansas. Fed-up with her dreary life and fearing for her dog Toto, who seems to have attracted the unwanted attention of a local busy-body who doesn’t like him; Dorothy dreams of a carefree life full of colour. When a storm hits the farm she gets carried away to a far off land where she meets some interesting characters and come’s up against an evil witch on her quest to get back home to Kansas. It’s a wonderful story which engages audiences of all ages and St. Helens did an fabulous job with the stage, costumes and the music which I found to be especially eclectic. Within additions from the original film, the Wiz and lots of modern numbers for the kids.

St. Helens theatre is right in the centre of town with council parking close-by and opposite the local bus station making it very accessible. The theatre itself is an incredibly welcoming and friendly place with a bar stocked with plenty of drinks and snacks for everyone.

The show features Mia Molloy as Dorothy and her 3 side-kicks who were brilliant in their roles, each bringing an individual and unique take to their of the characters. Reece Sibbald is so talented as the Scarecrow and really great at getting the audience involved throughout the show. Harry Moore as the Tin Man gave the character a really camp and warm air with some really funny dance moves and Scott Gallagher as the Lion was so loveable and cute. It was clear that the cast were having as much fun as the audience! Abigail Middleton played the Wicked Witch and was fantastic at getting the audience booing and shouting at her. Jenna Sian O’Hara is the beautiful Glinda – or RuPaul as the Scarecrow called her and Adam Melville played the wonderful Wizard of Oz. However, the real stars have to be Buddy and Benny the dogs who play Toto. My kids were so excited to see a real dog on the stage playing this key part. They were amazing and were not at all phased by all the excitement, stage lights bangs and flares.

Overall we had a great evening full of laughter and fun. There are so many different elements to the show that make it so exciting to watch and keep the kids on the edge of the seat – look out for the neon circus and the shrinking spell that the Wicked Witch cast on the Scarecrow – there was much laughter!

If you’re looking for something to do this half-term with the whole family then I can guarantee a great time for all at the St. Helens Theatre Royal. The theatre never ceases to give you a great night and are always providing up-to-date references and jokes that means its always fresh and new.

Rating: I give this show a 5/ for fun, entertainment and giggles!

The Wizard of Oz is showing until 20th February and tickets can be purchased from £13 at https://www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com/show/?show_id=873628440. With evening and matinee shows available there are plenty of options to get the family to the theatre to make some half-term memories.