Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuide
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide
Northern Stage Finds Its Christmas
Mojo Again
The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 2nd
January 2016
 |
|
Dorothy (Tessa Parr) +
Wicked Witch (Zoe Lambert)
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
By
returning to the original 1899 L. Frank Baum’s classic book for its source
material, Northern Stage have created a Christmas hit. Forget the sometimes
dark and brooding 1939 hit MGM film. Here was new music,
and characters that are not afraid to show a lighter, funnier side to their
personality. Wrap it up with a bright fairground set and original music and you
have a real family treat.
 |
|
Ensemble wide shot on set
- design by Rhys Jarman
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
The
theatre was full of excited young voices as the lights went down to reveal
Greysby – population 15. This was a place that was as grey as the name
suggests. The community is upset when bright young Dorothy, played by the
lively Tessa Parr, lands with her dog Toto. The twelve year overhears, and
misinterprets, a part of a conversation suggesting that she should be sent to
an orphanage and decides she doesn’t want to stay. A cyclone comes along, sweeps
her up and sends her away.
 |
|
Zoe Lambert as theWicked Witch of the West
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
Meanwhile
the Witch Of The East and the Witch Of The West are exchanging some sibling
rivalry. The Witch in the East was given lovely magical ruby red shoes by their
mum. On the other hand the Witch Of The West smells a bit.
Dorothy
and the detritus lands on the Witch Of The East, killing her. The coveted red
shoes choose Dorothy and her original trainers vanish. She meets up with a
chain gang of Munchkins who suggest she follows the yellow path to sort things
out.
 |
|
Michael Blair as the
Cowardly Lion
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
The
magic then begins as she meets the Scarecrow (Maria Crocker) without brain, the
Lion (Michael Blair) that needs courage and Nick Chopper aka the Tin Man (Carl
Kennedy) that needs a heart.
 |
|
Carl Kennedy as the
Tin Man with
Tessa Parr as Dorothy
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
Caroline
Bird has written a script that is not afraid involve the audience in the story.
Under Mark Calvert’s direction, the characters say the most natural things,
given the strange scenario that they find themselves in. The show is not afraid
to have a laugh with the audience. It is also, and this is important for
Christmas, quite a magical show for the young theatre goers.
 |
|
Ruth Johnson as Queen of the Field Mouses
+ ensemble
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
Tessa
Parr is very forthright and delightful when she says what we are all thinking.
Ruth Mary Johnson and Edward Christensen add pace and excitement as the Queen
of the Field Mouses and Officer Cheese Dream. Alice Blundell has her work cut
out as she flies in as Glinda one moment as operates the Winkie Slave puppet
the next. Alice injects humour into both roles well.
 |
|
Winkie Slave puppet with
Wicked Witch (Zoe Lambert)
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
The
ensemble work well together and it is a real team effort. However, Zoe Lambert
as The Wicked Witch has great lines to deliver and Zoe clearly enjoys the role.
Very different to the film, Zoe adds a comedic edge to the role which helps to
lift the story.
The
set is interesting as it resembles a circus on a fairground at times. Rhys
Jarman has designed a set that can act as an extra character.
 |
|
Original live music is
by Jeremy Bradfield
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
The
original music was composed and enthusiastically performed by Jeremy Bradfield.
Tom Walton’s puppets also add a fresh dimension to a well-trodden story.
The
danger with a story, made popular in a film, like this is that the audience
feel that they know what’s coming. By going back to the original book and
moving away from the film score, Northern Stage have created a fresh and
fabulous play.
The
Wonderful Wizard Of Oz is bold, without being alienating. It is funny without being
crass or vulgar. In short, it is a delightful engaging family show that is
worth seeking out.
 |
|
Tessa Parr as Dorothy +
Alice Blundell as Glinda
Photo: Topher McGrillis
|
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read
the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-festive-family-shows-at.html
Tickets:
The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Saturday 28th
November 2015
– Saturday 2nd January 2016, see website for
performance schedule
£24,
£19.50, £14.50. Student / Under 21, £12. Family tickets £60
Booking:
www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/Wizard%20of%20Oz
or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.
No comments:
Post a Comment