This lively production is a retelling of a retelling. It takes The Wiz, of course itself a reinterpretation of the Wizard of Oz, and recasts it as a Nottingham-based fairytale.
Well, we certainly get a lot of storms here!
So, is there anyone who doesn't know the plot? Dorothy is transported to Oz. She sets off to enlist the help of the all-powerful Wizard and along the way picks up the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. Each has their own quest to mirror Dorothy's. The Wizard turns out to a duplicitous character who will only help if they first bump off the Wicked Witch of the West. Oh, you already knew that?
Only in this interpretation the storyline is a very slim one. It's something from which to hang the musical numbers. This Oz is a place where people magically burst into song and dance without the slightest hesitation. And the routines are superb, beyond question. Perhaps Ease on Down the Road and Believe in Yourself are the best known tunes from the original Broadway performance, but all are carried out with gusto.
The youthful cast certainly know how to belt out a song. Bearing in mind their age, there are some remarkably strong voices on stage. The dance numbers are executed with a sheer energy that is dazzling to watch. The heart of the production is in this choreography. If you love dance, you'll love this. And the slow motion fight sequence is exceptional.
All the lead actors do well. Lennon Bradley, as the Lion, is the youngest performer among a sea of teenage faces. Indeed he lists his day job as 'being a kid' in the programme. He turns this to his advantage and steals a few scenes along the yellow brick road. Alleisha Furlong-Royal as Evillene also gave a crackling, funny performance, although she didn't appear till Act Two. The first act might have been even better with a villain to hiss and boo.
This is a New Street Theatre production, and it continues to support emerging talent. Some of the cast have been alive less time than this critic has been penning reviews! The youngsters ooze enthusiasm and are surprisingly polished.
In short, The Wiz is pure escapism with foot-tapping rhythms, lots of humour and a generous sprinkling of glitter. The actors are clearly enjoying themselves and this is a joy to behold.
The Djanogly Theatre presents The Wiz from Mon 13 July to Sat 25 July at various times.
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