Well, how do you go about transferring one of the best-loved fantasy musical movies of all time onto the stage? I’m not sure, but The Bristol Old Vic certainly do know how for their brand new Christmas Production.

 The story that everyone knows of Dorothy a young Kansas girl and Toto her dog ending up in the magical Land Of Oz, and having to follow the Yellow Brick Road to meet The Wizard Of Oz to get back to Kansas. Of course she meets the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion along the way, and they all end up battling the Wicked Witch Of The West. Now the story is the same as the movie here, to songs are all their which induce the audience to clap along at certain moments, and the sets well, I’ll get to the later.

 The production is a big difference from the normal Christmas Pantomime that you would have at the Old Vic in years gone by however there are some very Pantomime-esq moments still featured, so don’t be afraid if you find yourself booing at the Wicked Witch! The Old Vic are certainly putting themselves up to a challenge with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast opening at the Hippodrome during the same time. They obviously don’t have the funds that Disney have, but the Old Vic have gone a long way in creating an enjoyable evenings entertainment, that will make you leave humming the tunes, and smiling broadly!

 The cast give the show an enthusiastic burst of energy, and each clearly define their character, and never falter in their songs. Emily Pithon as Dorothy gives a realistic performance, and even interacts well with the extremely tacky, but somewhat funny Toto, I won’t spoil the surprise! Kathryn Akin as The Wicked Witch Of The West cleverly plays a classic villain, with a brilliant cackle and evil streak to her. However it is Peter Gallagher, Jimmy Johnston and Michael Roberts who steel the show as the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion respectively. They are truly brilliant in their roles; one might even go, as far to say they are better than the original movie cast. Gallagher as the Tin Man has one of the best voices I have ever heard, and seems truly at home in a musical like this. Johnston’s scarecrow is tumbling and fumbling his way through the play, but Roberts Cowardly Lion is the show stopping. Perfectly American, and with perfectly camped up comedy he captures some of the best laughs, during the show and seemed to be loved by all throughout. 

The largely young audience all looked as if they had a brilliant time, and us adults did to. Therefore The Wizard Of Oz does have a great mix of entertainment for all, good songs, funny cast and a wonderful story. It features the classic Good vs Bad struggle, and is defiantly more worthwhile taking a child to see than the Harry Potter Movie this Christmas. The only problem that I had with the production is the normally exceptional Old Vic sets. It was obvious that they were going for a tacky kind of style, but these just seemed too tacky for what is a good production. They were very cardboardy, and didn’t capture any of the magic of Oz. The Aardman Animation sequences did however give us some good moments of fun, but on the whole the sets could have been a lot more. The movement of them was a brilliant idea, but it’s a shame that you have to see the Stage Crew doing that movement, but I am sure their skills will be honed in during the show’s run. The lighting however is spot on and makes up for some of the disappointment of the set, and the band never fail to ignite passion into each song.

This is a fun evening’s entertainment, and can easily entertain the whole family. There are a few problems, but on the whole it is worth seeing for the cast alone. How it will stand up to Disney’s show down the road, well only time will tell, but it is well worth a viewing.

Bristol Old Vic’s production of The Wizard of Oz runs from December 6 to February 2. Tickets can be obtained from the box office on 0117 987 7877 or e-mailing tickets@bristol-old-vic.co.uk.

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Music

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Ticket Prices:

£18 to £5 with concessions available. Family ticket from £54 to £20 

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