Review: The Wizard of Oz at The Bristol Hippodrome

Vicki and Janine from Visit Bristol review the sensational new production of one of the world's most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz at The Bristol Hippodrome.

Oh my, we’re not in Kansas anymore! The Wizard of Oz UK tour dropped into Bristol Hippodrome this week we couldn't wait to skip down the yellow brick road…

The story is one we all know from our childhood, of a young Dorothy who finds herself a long way from home, with a dead witch’s shoes on her feet, and only a Lion, a Scarecrow, and a Tin Man to help her. This version, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams finds space to build on the 1939 classic we all know, which made the viewing all the more entertaining with its high-tech and visually striking storytelling, merging the old and new to maximum effect. Glinda the Good Witch arriving on a moped and given a pink Barbie-style twist was unexpected!

The fantastic cast is headed up by Aviva Tulley who plays the lead role of Dorothy Gale. Her character was the sweet, innocent girl we all expected, very much like Judy Garland's portrayal. Her performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was note perfect and gave me goosebumps. Dorothy’s sidekick, Toto, was brought to life by Abigail Matthew. Her presence on stage was a little strange to start with, but her puppeteering skills really made Toto come alive - loved his wagging tail.

The central characters of Scarecrow (Benjamin Yates) and Tin Man (Aston Merrygold of JLS fame) and Lion (Nic Greenshields), quickly establish themselves, each showing their own personalities and bringing their own interpretation to the characters. Yates gave an instant charm and charisma to the role of the Scarecrow, Merrygold wowed the audience with his pop and lock dance moves and Greenshields had a fantastic comedic stage presence as the cowardly Lion. The physical comedy of how tall Lion was compared to the other characters was brilliant. They all made us smile, giggle, and made us want to run on stage and hug them.

The standout performance of the evening for me personally, and a clear audience favourite, was of course the Wicked Witch of the West, played by the winner of Ru Pauls Drag Race The Vivienne. Making her entrance through the dry ice she dazzled. Her dramatic flair, campness and a touch of true wickedness made the Wicked Witch of the West both boo-able and likeable. Her departure from the stage was spectacular.

All the favourite songs were performed to a fantastic sweeping score of spectacular live music which was conducted with great emotion and panache.

The set design and special effects brought the land of Oz to life, with wacky fantastical projections and set pieces, reminiscent of Bristol's own Wake the Tiger! The costumes and dance numbers all brought a brilliant energy to the portrayal of this vibrant and chaotic world.

Whether you've been a long-time fan of those sparkly red shoes or if you’re visiting Oz for the first time, this is a celebration of the power of imagination and the enchantment of theatre, which we loved. If you manage to catch the show we just know you’ll love it as well.

The Wizard of Oz is showing Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 7 April – tickets are limited. Book now!

Age guidance 6+ (under 3s will not be admitted).