Review: Wizard of Oz brings magic, star power and heart to Palace Theatre

Fresh from an acclaimed run on the West End last year, regional audiences are now being treated to the magic of The Wizard of Oz on stage on this new production's UK tour. And what a treat it is - a colourful feast for the eyes as the iconic story by L. Frank Baum takes on a new life with star names in some of the much-loved roles here at the Palace Theatre.

Naturally, the story follows the same Yellow Brick Road as the book and film, starting in the farming fields of Kansas as young Dorothy (Aviva Tulley) feels frustrated and in need of an escape, prompting an early emotional performance of show classic Over The Rainbow.

A whirling tornado goes on to deliver exactly that - transplanting Dorothy and her dog Toto (brought to life by puppeteers in the show) to a weird and wonderful new world filled with jolly Munchkins.

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She soon learns she's sparked the ire of the Wicked Witch of the West though as her Kansas farmhouse has landed on her sister, much to the delight of the Munchkins. Taking on the role of the green villain with delicious vigour is Dancing On Ice star and Drag Race UK champion The Vivienne.

Looking like a gorgeous Hollywood screen siren, you've never seen anyone carry off a full face of green make-up quite like this.

It makes for some scintillating scenes up against the feisty Dorothy embodied by Aviva Tulley, who manages to balance both the sweet innocence of the youngster as well as her fierce resilience to fight the good fight, and get herself home.

For me the magic of the show really starts to happen when Dorothy meets the three individuals who will become her trusty sidekicks along the Yellow Brick Road on her journey to find the Wizard of Oz.

Benjamin Yates brings the laughs and goofy charm as the dippy Scarecrow who longs for a brain, while JLS star Aston Merrygold is superb as the Tin Man, complete with some cool robot dance moves once he gets his rusting joints oiled up by his new friends.

And there's a roar of approval for homecoming hero Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, resuming his West End role just for the two weeks here in Manchester. It's a gift of a role for someone with Jason's comedy chops, and his decision to pay homage to the movie's iconic Bert Lahr in his characterisation is really lapped up by the audience.

From his starting banter, paws raised to shout "Put 'em up, put 'em up" to wiping his tears away with his furry tail, it's just such a treat to watch Jason in the role, while recalling the joy that came from watching the original movie.

Each character gets their own brilliant take on the "If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/Nerve." song as Dorothy urges them to join her quest.

Together, the four troubadours make their way Out of the Woods and on to the Emerald City for their audience with the mighty Wizard (Allan Stewart) only to realise they must go back and the find the dastardly Wicked Witch to claim her broomstick.

It sparks one of the more memorable "newie" songs introduced to the action, with Bring Me the Broomstick to be heard sung and whistled by many an audience member in the queue for the loos in the interval.

Act Two blasts back into action at a roaring pace, and those seriously creepy winged monkeys that haunted many a childhood nightmare return. It's also pretty scary when the Wicked Witch finally gets her comeuppance, just to warn you if you are taking younger kids along.

All comes up roses in the end, with Dorothy safely returned back to Kansas after uttering the magic words of "There's no place like home".

Surrounded by familiar faces (the cast doubling for the Kansas characters too), we are all left to wonder was it all a dream? Until a glimpse of those ruby red slippers gives us a final sparkle of magic.

Overall this is an extremely enjoyable production of a much-loved classic, filled with heart-warming performances from across the excellent cast. They won a standing ovation on opening night, which I've no doubt will be repeated over the coming nights too.

Wizard of Oz is at Manchester's Palace Theatre until May 5.