Wizard of Oz at Birmingham Hippodrome reviewed - 'mesmerising and magical from start to finish'

Follow the yellow brick road all the way to Birmingham Hippodrome this week - as London Palladium's The Wizard of Oz takes to the stage. You'd be hard pushed to find someone who doesn't know the story of Oz - and it is among the most love musicals of all time.

This delightful retelling of the 1939 film starring Judy Garland is no different - and captured the magic perfectly. And it seemed like everyone sat in Birmingham Hippodrome on Wednesday night agreed with me.

Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy, played wonderfully by Aviva Tulley, who is whisked away from Kansas in a tornado lands in the fantasy world of Oz. To return home, she must follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz for help.

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And along the way, she is joined by her unforgettable companions - the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. The Scarecrow is played by Benjamin Yates while Nic Greenshields is the Cowardly Lion. Both are absolutely hilarious and steal the scenes they are in.

The Tin Man is played by JLS star Aston Merrygold, who was very popular among the audience. It's lovely to see his vocals shine and of course, it wouldn't be JLS without a little bit of dancing.

Aviva Tulley as Dorothy is just magical - and she captures the role perfectly. And that voice, just wow. I was moved to tears during Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Also must give a huge shout out to Abigal Matthews as Toto. At first I thought I'd find the puppet quite distracting - but it was mesmerising to watch how it moved and reacted to the scenes. Completely magical.

But for me, the stand out was Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Witch of the West. He was truly captivating and terrifying all in one. I've never seen him before in a theatre show before, but I know I have to again. He captured the Wicked Witch perfectly with an edge of comedy and fright. No one carries off a face of green make-up quite like it.

Of course, you can't forget the wonderful songs featured too - with my firm favourites of Over The Rainbow, We're Off To See The Wizard and Follow The Yellow Brick Road. While the sets and costumes are vibrant and innovative - really helping to bring the story to life. And yes those Flying Monkeys were still as terrifying as they were when I was a child.

The Wizard of Oz was as wonderful as the Wizard of Oz himself. I was memorised from start to finish - and left the theatre grinning from ear to ear, humming away. It's the perfect show for anyone who is a big fan of the film, but also a great first watch for anyone unfamiliar with the story. And just remember, there's no place like home.

The Wizard of Oz is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday, June 16. To book tickets, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com.