The Wizard Of Oz At The Curve Theatre, Leicester Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Oh my goodness!!! The much-loved magical story of The Wizard of Oz, spectacularly retold in the Made at Curve Christmas musical is currently showing right now! Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line, West Side Story) and featuring additional music and songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice alongside the iconic originals from the MGM film, join Dorothy (Georgina Onuorah) and her beloved Toto (Ben Thompson) as they are fiercely swept from Kansas and whisked over the rainbow to the wonderful world of Oz where she they face a fantastic adventure and make some lovely friends.

I grew up watching this story over and over again with my mom and now, so many years later, I am sharing the magic with my own children. A massive shout out to Set Designer Colin Richmond and Costume and Puppet Designer, Rachael Canning. Your imagination brought the stage to life, and I was blown away by the quality of both. Choreographer Shay Barclay and Musical Director and Musical Supervisor George Dyer contributed to the sheer brilliance of the magic created by the entire production.

Dorothy’s journey along the Yellow Brick Road sees her bump into some unlikely but lovely characters who soon become firm friends. Scarecrow (Jonny Fines), Tinman (Paul French) and Lion (Giovanni Spano) help her on her way, but the frightfully glamorous Wicked Witch (Ellie Mitchell) has other plans for Dorothy and Toto. This is Wizard of Oz with a bit of a twist – but don’t worry, all your favourite songs are still included but with a slight futuristic spin. Through the menacing Dark Forest to the bright neon lights of the retro-futuristic Emerald City, Dorothy and her friends search for the powerful and enigmatic Wizard of Oz, the only person who can grant their hearts’ wishes, and maybe even a way home for Dorothy and Toto. Georgina Onuorah is so very talented, and her voice absolutely brought me to tears with her rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”…simply stunning! She most definitely lived the part, and I loved her as this character.

I’ve had the privilege to see Jonny Fines (Scarecrow) as the lead in An Officer and a Gentleman and it was fantastic seeing him in a role that’s so very different to that. Super talented and definitely another one born to be on stage. Paul French made a great Tinman and Giovanni Spano a superb Lion. Another shout out to Ellie Mithchell who covered for Charlotte Jaconelli as the Wicked Witch. It blows my mind when people step into a role at the last minute and make it completely their own – fantastic performance! The talented cast included Christina Bianco (Glinda) who has such a powerful voice packed into such a little lady, dynamite surely does come in small packages! I also thoroughly enjoyed performances by Geoffrey Aymer and Jacqui Dubois as Uncle Henry and Aunty Em – you both played your respective roles with such conviction, it just added to the complete success of this production.

With a brilliant ensemble, catchy choreography and glitzy costumes, the Wizard of Oz certainly has started my Christmas season with a big bang. An absolutely delightful production that must not be missed! So, make sure you and your whole family follow the yellow brick road all the way to the Curve in Leicester for a spectacular start to your Christmas celebrations!

Rating: I rate this production as 5/5.

Ticket prices start from £15 and can be purchased from www.curveonline.co.uk or call the box office on 0116 242 3595.

The Age Recommendation for this show is 6+ as the production contains repetitive flashing lights, high frequency strobe lighting, pyrotechnics, smoke and haze, loud sound effects and scenes of mild peril. Special performances with relaxed sittings and audio prescribed viewings are also available.