Theatre Review: The Wizard of Oz, Milton Keynes Theatre

Summary: Wizard of Oz is a play based on The classic novel written by L.Frank Baum in. It has themes of friendship and self discovery. After a tornado sweeps her away from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, she embarks on a journey to return home. Along the way, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who each seek something from the Wizard of Oz. Together, they face various challenges, including the Wicked Witch of the West…

Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: Tuesday 16th July - Sunday 21st July

Where to see it: Milton Keynes Theatre

Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes (including interval)

Keywords: Nostalgic, Magical, Enthralling

Review

Ultimately my favourite moment and arguably the most pivotal, was Dorothy being swept up by the tornado.

Milton Keynes Theatre is an enchanting venue with amazing staff, drinks and snacks. The stage was bare with the title brightly lit on the film screen. Immediately as the play started it was gripping and exciting. 

Throughout the play, the use of multimedia was captivating and enhanced the magical immersive feeling. The props and costumes perfectly conveyed the feeling of a family farm im Kansas in the 1900s. The puppetry for Toto was executed so well, the craft and delivery detail brought the endearing character to life and was possibly one of my favourite elements of the play. 

Ultimately my favourite moment and arguably the most pivotal, was Dorothy being swept up by the tornado. The ensemble on stage had Dorothy on a front door spinning but the lighting, music and projector amplified the tension and intense transition.

The atmosphere for the land of Oz contrasted dramatically from Kansas; it was colourful, enthusiastic and whimsical. The musical numbers throughout were energetic and, if you are familiar with this classic, nostalgic. Following the interval, as the story unfolded and the character discovered more of the land of Oz, the play had unexpected modern twists which made the experience interestingly relatable. 

Overall, if I wasn’t smiling, I was laughing or completely engaged. This has become one of my favourite musicals and I would recommend it to anyone whether they’re a musical newbie, fanatic or anything in between.

Standout Quote or Moment: When Dorothy is swept up in the tornado

See If: This was a childhood classic for a hit of nostalgia

Last Impression: Wholesome

To get tickets for the show click here

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Nova Claasen