Reviewed by Mark Johnson at The Little Theatre in Leicester
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
The Idols mark their 69th year with a staging of the beloved musical The Wizard Of Oz at Leicester's Little Theatre.
The classic musical jets audiences from the sepia environment of Kansas to the magical colourful land of Oz as young Dorothy Gale must find her way back home.
It is an ambitious production to stage and while it may look a bit haphazard at times it is undoubtedly good fun. The staging uses a screen on stage left, this helps move from location to location although the graphic designs are a little jarring with the tone of the work on the stage.
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| The cast at the curtain call. |
As soon as we meet Stacey Henson's brilliant Dorothy you are swept along with her journey. There's a great sweetness and light to Henson's performance. As she runs away to protect her dog, Toto, you can sense the turmoil Dorothy feels inside. The big solo 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' is so beautifully sung. Henson's vocals are heavenly. Once in Oz Henson carries the journey of the role with real skill, she connects well with all around her and you believe everything Dorothy feels. It's hard to believe that Henson just a week ago was in hospital with pneumonia, it's an amazing bounce back.
In Oz, Dorothy meets a trio of larger-than-life characters who help in her quest to find The Wizard, who is the only person who will be able to get her home. Ben Cusack is a lively likeable Scarecrow, he makes a great companion as he searches for a brain. Lizzie Bywater-Florance is a bright joy of a presence as Tin Man, she gets a fun tap routine for 'If I Only Had A Heart' which she self-choreographed. Norman Buckby is a terrific presence and lights up the stage as Lion, he is a hoot to watch throughout.
Abbie Stocker is the Wicked Witch of the West and Miss Gultch brings the right level of evil without going over the top, while Nikki Miles has fantastic vocals as Glinda and Aunt Em. The battle of good versus evil is well-captured in the restraints of the design and the staging. The screen staging of The Wizard, played by James O'Donnell, doesn't quite land as it could but he gives a solid performance.
There's an impressive large company here with an adult ensemble that plays a variety of characters from crows and Ozians and a younger ensemble who play the Munchkins and numerous roles throughout. The younger ones do great work in Munchkinland and are clearly having a great time as they sing and dance 'Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead'.
A crowd-pleasing performance comes from Anabel, the dog who plays Toto. There is plenty of adoration from the audience whenever Anabel comes on stage. She is largely well-behaved throughout and it is well handled anytime she does something slightly unruly.
Director Mitchell Smith marks his director debut with this production and steers the ship well. Musical director Derek Hunter leads an off stage orchestra of musicians who bring to life the great score. Danielle Sanders adds solid choreography which is well performed. The costumes are magnificent throughout, iconic looks such as Dorothy’s or Tin Man’s are brilliantly re-imagined.
Sure the staging could be more impressive, and certain things aspects be tighter but with the challenges the company has been facing off-stage, it's a great achievement to get the show up and running and to the point that it is at now.
It's more important than ever to support local theatre and groups like The Idols who may not even make it to their 70th year. The Wizard of Oz embodies the ‘show must go on’ spirit and the company have done superbly. It might not be perfect and be a little rough around the edges but it’s heartwarming and entertaining. Grab a ticket, support local talent and be swept along by this classic tale.
The Wizard Of Oz plays at Leicester’s The Little Theatre until Saturday 12th October 2024. Tickets are available from https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
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