The Wizard of Oz, Dukes Theatre at Williamson Park Lancaster Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

Back in 1987, The Dukes staged their very first open-air theatre production in the stunning setting of Williamson Park, and almost 40 years later, they’re still going strong. Every summer, audiences return to experience the magic of live performance beneath the open sky, and see the park transformed into a different world. This summer, it’s the turn of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum’s timeless fantasy adventure, brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Daniel Bye and directed by Elvi Piper.

Any theatre production demands huge amounts of energy, creativity, and teamwork, but putting on a show outdoors adds a whole new layer of complexity. Not only do the cast and crew have to manage quick costume changes and clever scene transitions but they also need to move both themselves and the audience from location to location throughout the park. And, of course, the ever-unpredictable Lancashire weather keeps everyone on their toes! Yet somehow, the team at the Dukes pull it all together seamlessly, and the result is pure enchantment.

The creative team cleverly used four different locations in Williamson Park to transport the audience on Dorothy’s magical journey. Woodland paths became the winding yellow brick road, while the magnificent Ashton Memorial was transformed into the glittering palace of the Emerald City. All the familiar characters made an appearance – the Munchkins, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Good and Wicked Witches, and of course, the mysterious Wizard himself.

As always, The Dukes have taken a well-loved story and given it a fresh, imaginative twist. We first meet Dorothy searching for her dog, Toto, in a grumpy neighbour’s garden. She’s caught, put in the doghouse – literally – and then whisked away by a storm to the magical land of Oz when she encounters the Munchkins, who speak their own unique language, and the Good Witch of the North, who encourages her to head to the Emerald City to find what she’s looking for. Dorothy’s journey is full of adventure and discovery, as she meets new friends and begins to realise that what she’s searching for might not be what she expected. It’s a warm, whimsical take on a classic tale – brought to life in a truly magical setting.
With just six actors (Helen Longworth, Gareth Cassidy, Lisa Howard, Hope Yolanda, Tori Burgess, and Matthew Ganley) playing multiple roles it is impossible to pick a standout performance – they were all outstanding.

Part of the joy of outdoor theatre is making an evening of it. Many audience members bring a picnic to enjoy before the show begins – and this year, there’s the option to pre-order a delicious picnic from local delicatessen Stonewell Spring. These can be collected on the day of the performance between 4pm and 6.15pm – but do note they’re only available Tuesday to Saturday and must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. Or there’s also a selection of food vendors by the Ashton Memorial that are open before the performance and during the interval and perfect for a quick snack or ice cream.

Seating varies from location to location throughout the park. Sometimes there are benches or logs, and other times you’ll be sitting on the ground, so it’s worth bringing a mat or blanket, especially if it’s been raining! The show goes on whatever the weather, so be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly. Layers are your friend – it can get chilly as the sun sets, so a warm coat or jumper is a good idea, even on a fine day.

We had a fantastic night so if you’re close to Lancaster this summer it is definitely worth following the Yellow Brick Road to Williamson Park to immerse yourself in the magical world of Oz. It’s a brilliant night out for all the family with plenty of laughs in the most magical of settings. Don’t miss it!!

Rating: 5/5

The Wizard of Oz runs on Tuesdays – Sundays from July 18th to August 24th at 7.15pm. Tickets must be booked in advance. Group bookings negotiable, please contact The Dukes Box Office on 01524 598500 or tickets@dukeslancaster.org

Tickets cost from £17 and are available for purchase here dukeslancaster.org or by contacting the Dukes Theatre box office at 01524 598 500. Early booking is advised as the shows in Williamson Park are very popular and sell out quickly.