Review: The Wizard of Oz at Theatre by the Lake

“…perfect for children… magic, danger and characters as a daft as a brush. Who could ask for more?…”

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum adapted by Sonia Jalaly, Theatre by the Lake

By Ken Powell

“We’re not in Keswick anymore”, Dorothy tells us in this production of the classic modern fairytale. Except we were, of course, enjoying the show at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake (TBTL). What we weren’t was in Kansas – the original setting of the story, at least as far as the Hollywood movie goes. Instead, this production places the action firmly in Cumbria with references to London, Scotland and, of course, Keswick aplenty.

Did it work? Yes, it did. We were gratefully spared corny American accents and, instead, got solid British ones. Likewise, taking the story out of the ‘harmless’ and ‘escapist’ framework of L. Frank Baum’s original intentions and giving a proper backstory to Dorothy’s adventures was a good move. We gain a much greater understanding of her motivations for leaving and, ultimately, her desire to go home.

TBTL has had a long-standing tradition of providing family-oriented entertainment at Christmas time that isn’t panto. It’s an ideal time to introduce children to theatre for their first time and have them entertained, while also showing them just what to expect whenever they come to the theatre in future. It’s a brilliant principle and it means we’ve watched some magical productions over the decades that have often touched the soul of the adults while giving huge grins to the children.

The Wizard of Oz feels like the closest to pantomime we’ve seen for a long time. There’s no doubt that much of what you see on the stage is geared towards having children laughing, pointing their fingers and even shouting out the odd “It’s behind you!” from time to time. The median age of the audience last night was probably closer to retirement age than kindergarten and that meant this was a show in search of children’s engagement. Hopefully, TBTL will get exactly that as the production is absolutely ideal for kids. This is one that schools will really want to take trips to see.

For us oldies, it is important not to make too many unfair comparisons with the movie. You won’t be hearing the well-known songs, nor lines such as “Put ’em up!” and “Fly, my pretties, fly!” – the latter of which was never said in the movie either and is a classic example of the Mandela Effect, as it happens. Instead, you’ll get the same story, but with new scripting and brand new songs. Not all of it works – there’s not much in the way of memorable tunes to hum on your way home and the Munchkins scene needs a bit of developing – but there’s much more that does.

Once we start meeting the characters that will become Dorothy’s friends, the show gains momentum quickly. Mia Jerome is excellent as ‘Tinwoman’ and milks even the sternest of the audience for belly laughs with ease. Kira Hayes backs her up well as Scarecrow and her relationship with the crows was a delight. If I feel disappointed at all it is because I think the talented Emma Jay Thomas is under-used in her role as the Wicked Witch. We need more of her on stage! Nimi Spiff, making her professional debut as Dorothy, does an admirable job and certainly allows the audience to sympathise with her plight even before she makes it to Oz.

By the time we get into the second act, it feels like the cogs are properly turning. The Emerald City works a treat and both the action and the gags flow swiftly. There are some sound balance issues that need tweaking to ensure voices aren’t drowned out by the accompanying music, but otherwise, nothing detracts from the mission everyone in the theatre has by this point: to get Dorothy and Toto home!

This is a show that’s perfect for children who haven’t yet seen the movie a hundred times (if you’re over fifty, do you remember how it was shown on TV every Christmas Day – for years?). It has magic, danger (but not too much) and characters as daft as a brush. Who could ask for more?

I realised, as I was leaving, that despite knowing the story inside out, that was based entirely on the film and I’d never read the book itself. Luckily, TBTL has a small book stall armed with different copies, suitable for all ages. I bought myself a very beautiful hardback edition and am now making up for lost time. I’m thoroughly enjoying it – and I’m hearing the voices of the characters within as full-on Cumbrian!

The Wizard of Oz plays at Theatre by the Lake until Sunday 11 January. Tickets are available here.

Ken Powell is chief editor for Northern Arts Review and is also a bestselling author and writer for various publications around the world. A former school teacher, he continues to write educational books along with fiction and travelogues. You can find all his books and various websites here including his popular TEDx talk about the Global Village. He lives with his family in a wonderfully isolated village in West Cumbria where he enjoys drinking tea, chatting with the birds and winding up his dog. You can support his work (or just buy him a coffee) here.