the Wizard of Oz – unicornpostbox

The 1900’s children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ was declared by the library of Congress as ‘America’s greatest and best-loved homegrown fairy tale’. The classic 1939 MGM film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was voted one of the best 10 American films of all time, in 1977, 38 years after its release.

The tale has been widely translated in over 40 languages and adapted for other cultures. The themes of the story are so universal – the constant battle between good and evil: “Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” The yearning for a better life beyond the rainbow 🌈 Is the grass greener? Actually, no, we discover (or are reminded) “There’s no place like home”

It is hardly surprising the tale has over the years dominated television, screen and stage. One notable and popular retelling is Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ book, or more simply in the smash hit musical adaptation ‘Wicked’. In 2018 for my birthday, me and my mum (before she got too poorly) went to see Wicked at the Liverpool Empire theatre. Here the ‘Wicked Witch’ is portrayed in a totally different light, and not as the heinous villian audiences have been previously accustomed to.

Disney’s ‘Return to Oz’ 1985, a sequel, adapted from the other Oz series of books is a franchise I am familiar with, though this version was quite the flop at the box office unfortunately and never got near anywhere as successful as the 1939 favourite

It is undeniable that elements of the tale; Ruby slippers, emerald city, munchkins, the yellow brick road etc are so iconic and embedded in modern culture. Musicians for instance take massive inspiration, such as Elton John’s ‘Goodbye yellow brick road’.

The protagonist heroine ‘Dorothy’ was intriguingly based on a daughter L Frank Baum desperately longed to have (he fathered 4 boys). The excitement she would have felt reading of such fantasy and wonder. But he was also intrigued by The Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The ‘Scarecrow’ fascinatingly had a real original! Standing in Baum’s childhood’s home’s field for a multitude of years.

There’s the background introduction 😜 now how about the Sheffield Lyceum production…

The ‘Vivienne’ was undoubtedly the star of the show. The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the first champion, she has evolved into a massive global fabulous diva, both internationally and in the UK. The first drag queen impressively also to compete in a reality TV series, ‘Dancing on Ice’. Her performance as the ‘Wicked Witch’ was teasing and tantalising, excellently executed, and domineering. Each word a dagger, each move a danger. Her witches cackle a high pitched cruel torment and threat: “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!”

Aviva Tulley, only a very young actress it must be mentioned, played ‘Dorothy’ superbly, very believable. Her voice singing ‘Over the Rainbow’ was absolutely breathtaking. ‘Toto’ was actually a puppet controlled by a puppeteer! Benjamin Yates as the ‘Scarecrow’ was charismatic, cheeky and cheerful (even if brainless), Marley Fenton as ‘Tin Man’ certainly not rusty – with his funky robot street dancing skills, and Nic Greenshields ‘Cowardly Lion’ admirable and adorable, even when afraid. Alex Bourne as ‘Professor Marvel/ the Wizard’ was simply awe-inspiring and Emily Bull as ‘Glinda/ Aunt Em’ mesmerising and majestic

The entire production was perfect and flawless. My, my best friend Robyn, and friends Sheridan and Tyler had a WONDERFUL time 😍

The show was such a spectacle, the scenery superb. Smoke special effects, lighting, prop design – the yellow brick road continually fragmented and then wheeled back together, the cast dancing with choreography from one section to the next. Impressive video on a huge retractable screen to compliment the storytelling. ‘Glinda’ cruising by on a girlie pink scooter. The melting of the ‘Wicked Witch’, disappearing as marvellously as any magician. The costumes, especially of the munchkins and the winkies- remarkable! Such a joyous day out! 😁😁

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my theatre blog, it is very much appreciated! 😀 The next blog post will be progression photos of my ‘Leonardo the Lion’ diamond art 💎 🎨

Much love, Lauren xx

Further information:

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/

Beauty and the beast:

On 14th December, me and my best friend Robyn went to Cast Doncaster to see ‘Beauty and the beast’ the family pantomime. The theatre script was written by Neil Hurst and Tess Seddon directed

Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the first version of the fairy tale beauty and the beast, but it was adapted and abridged by Jeanne Marie le Prince de Beaumont, a French novelist. This is the tale we are most familiar. Influenced by ‘Cupid and psyche’ Ancient Greek stories, and the second century AD ‘The golden ass’. In terms of folktales, 4000 years ago it is estimated to have originated – and to this day there are still plentiful variants all around the world

The pantomime was spectacular, the acting superb. ‘Dame Cherie Trifle’ (Ben Eagle) was hilarious, as was ‘Philippe Philoppe’ (Harry Gascoigne), with fantastic frolics and fun throughout. ‘Emile’ (Max Gallagher) was everything you want in a baddie, and more. Arrogant, narcissistic, with a wicked laugh and a pompous pose. ‘Fairy Nuff’ (Claire Storey) was an absolute delight, a breath of fresh air, with her kindness and calming presence. ‘Beauty’ (Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos) was elegant and mesmerising, the ‘Beast’ (Kofi Dennis) transformed from irritable, moody and impatient to charismatic, charming and compassionate. With a brilliant modern song playlist, to fabulous costumes and aesthetics, it certainly did not disappoint.

Me and Robyn were on aisle seats near the front so we were frightened they’d pick on us, haha! As it happens, the poor bloke in front of us was ushered up onto the stage, handed a pink apron and shower cap and encouraged to dance and make a slight fool of himself, ha!

There was great audience participation, as with all pantomimes.. He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! Plus, as expected, rivalry in a sing off at the end – those on the left versus those on the right of the theatre! Amazing 😁

Aladdin:

On 21st December, me, my best friend Robyn, Matty, Chris and Joanne went to see Doncaster’s Little Theatre Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. My friend matty was especially looking forward to it

The story of Aladdin originates from the Arabian Nights, One Thousand and One Nights, enchanting Middle Eastern tales. The French translation of 1704 by Antoine Galland popularised the tale. In early versions surprisingly it is set in China (not Disney’s Agrabah) and features a lazy boy residing with his mum, not the orphaned favourable ‘rags to riches’ Street urchin we know today

The cast of the Little Theatre’s amateur production include; Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky, Abanazar, Princess Jasmine, Sultan Pepper, Policeman Snap, Policeman Crackle, Genie of the lamp, slave of the ring, and Duck Norris.

In particular, I was impressed by Paul Stelling’s Abanazar (a banana!) – he was very convincing in his portrayal of a baddie, with deep voiced powerful projection of his words. Likewise, the pantomime dame, Widow Twanky, was highly enjoyable to watch, and the Genie of the lamp flamboyant and sassy

However, it was quite evident Aladdin was only an amateur performance and not in the same league as say Cast, but for what it was, it was really good fun 😀

The Wizard of Oz:

The Wizard of Oz 1939, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1990 children’s fantasy book, is one of my favourite films of all time. Young kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) wooshed away with her little dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. Ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, emerald city, the wicked witch of the west, munchkin land – fragments of the story embedded firmly in most of our psyches. It truly is a terrific tale

I must say ‘The wonderful wizard of oz…the panto!’ by Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group, to which me, my best friend Robyn and her parents attended on 7th January, was the best amateur production I have ever seen!

The girl who played Dorothy (Faith Cousins) had a beautiful voice, I was spellbound listening to her ‘Over the rainbow’ 🌈 The props, scenery and costumes were out of this world. The producer/ director Tina Bradbury, actually noted the incredible effort of the backstage team, ahead of schedule weeks before the opening performance – cast learning their lines and songs eagerly – phoenix members sacrificing their own precious time to paint and make scenery

It was so funny and highly entertaining. Custard pies thrown out into the audience, water pistols squirted.. the cowardly lion running petrified all around the premises! There was a flying house (extremely clever effects), creativity with expressing the cyclone, ribbons gushing- flying monkeys, cool hip munchkin outfits, and blue mohawk wigs. It was incredible. The acting was top notch – the cowardly lion, scarecrow and tin man executed perfectly, and Chloe Allen as ‘Grotbag’ the wicked witch, booed and heckled. In fact, the entire cast were awesome. I was so impressed and would 100% go to another Phoenix Theatre Group production 😄

Puss in Boots:

On 26th January, me, my best friend Robyn, Chris, another Chris and John and siobhan attended the Little theatre for a ‘backyard’s production’ Puss in Boots pantomime.

Our lovely friend Jack played both the king and Scottish ogre. He was marvellous as the ogre, with such a distinctive Scottish accent, even if the scary green mask frightened some children in the audience!

I must admit, you could definitely tell it was only an amateur production, but they tried their best. The music choices were nice, as we’re the costumes, and the singing voices were mostly in tune. Also, the dame was particularly decent. The actual plot was rather inventive and impressive. Felix the cat, persuading his master (not really royalty) Harry to slay the nasty ogre to win the princess’s hand in marriage. Very fitting for a pantomime. It was quite clever however and artistic, the ogre being defeated by magically turning into a mouse in the transformation cupboard! The show concluded with a good old sing song! 😄

I am so excited because on 1st February me and Robyn are off with two more of our friends, Sheridan and Tyler, to the lyceum theatre Sheffield to see a professional performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.. 🥰 The ‘Vivienne’ playing the wicked witch of the west, I can’t wait!

So please, look out for another theatre review coming very soon. I am also on with a Lion diamond art, so watch this space! 🎨💎🦁

Thank you as always for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx

unicornpostbox

art / craft, travel / theatre

Tag: the Wizard of Oz

‘The Wizard of Oz’ theatre review

Four Christmas pantomimes – theatre review