The Wizard of Oz Reviews

Graham from London, England

A LAZY PRODUCTION

OK - I was looking forward to this show but was bitterly disappointed. First, there are too many projected backdrops - none of which you can see if you’re unlucky enough (like me) to be in the cheap seats. Note to designers: just because we’re poor doesn’t mean we don’t want to see the action! This also included being unable to see the “wizard” or indeed the rainbow (if there was one!) Next: no flying. Witches on motorbikes?? Winged monkeys that don’t take-off? I don’t think so…. Finally “little touches”: since when did a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher constitute “water”? Why did we not get “transformed” when Dorothy went over the (unseen) rainbow?? Or, for that matter, when she went back again? Why was the evil witch actually pretty?? On the plus side: the singing, actors & puppetry (Toto) was excellent & can’t be faulted. The yellow-brick road scenes were the best. A great cast in a poorly designed show. Poor people: save your money & watch the film.

Michael W from County Durham, England

COULDN’T SEE MOST OF THE SHOW

Thought the singing was good and could follow the story by listening to the characters, but the view from my seat was appalling. I couldn’t see the back of the set at all from the wide angle I had four rows back in the stalls. Most of the show was played in the huge section of the stage that was not visible to me. Extremely disappointed. Stayed only for my daughter who was three seats inside mine and could see more than I could from her angle but by no means the full stage. There was no indication of restricted viewing on ordering the tickets so was not expecting this at all.

Kate from Leeds, England

DON’T BOTHER

The Wizard of Oz is titled as a pantomime but there is absolutely NO interaction with the audience. Dorothy is, to be fair, a good singer but far too old for the role. The dog (Toto) wasn’t even a dog, it was a good puppet but the puppeteer was distracting and ran around with the puppet the whole show. It was far too cinematic for a musical/show and lots of things were happening at the same time. The cheap seats for three still cost us £165 and we have seen far better shows for cheaper!! Jason Manford (the lion) was very good. In the interval the three of us were considering whether to leave or not. There are far better shows in London to see and we wish we had read these reviews before paying the large price! Don’t bother if you are thinking of going!

Shruti from London, England

NOT LIKE THE MOVIE- AT ALL!

Just came back from the show and what a disappointment. The first shock if Dorothy. What were they thinking?! The actor is completely wrong for the role, she did not even tie her hair in two ponies like Dorothy. My daughter was so disappointed! Loved the lion but the rest can be given a miss. Thank God, we got cheap tickets but I would rather spend that money on watching movie instead!!

Jackie from London, England

VERY DISAPPOINTED

I love this show and my am dram group have performed it several times I was really looking forward to seeing it on a West End stage with big names cast. Expected it to be updated but this was bizarre- so far from the original, songs I’d never heard of, poorly sung and far too sci fi for me! View wasn’t good either - row R to the side Far better shows out there! Very disappointed

Sharona from Surrey

DISAPPOINTED

This production of a well loved classic was completely disappointing. Cheap set, costumes and totally distorted from the classic. The acting was weak not portraying the original characters, lacked luster. Dorothy had a good voice but not right for this role, far to old. If your expecting it to be like your memories of the film, then don't waste your money. And don't sit in the Grand Circle very poor view, thank goodness I didn't pay for the stalls!

Kay from Essex

DISAPPOINTING

Having read these reviews, I wish I had read them first, rather than after the show. I fully agree it was amateurish, no feel good, no joy, no wonderful, overwhelming, uplifting , joyful parts. I was expecting a wonderful yellow brick road, but yellow arrows, pulled by people dressed in yellow seemed rather dull. Even the veneration backdrop wasn’t yellow brick! I feel the man who controlled the dog, by moving around the stage on all fours must have ended up with a bad back. I’m sure in this technological age, a better interpretation of Toto would have been more pleasant to watch. Dorothy showed little affection for Toto anyway. I would not recommend.

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