There’s no place like the Wales Millennium Centre to watch their latest production of The Wizard of Oz. The award-winning classic takes to the stage, starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West and JLS icon Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man.

This was one of my favourite films growing up, so I was very excited to be invited to come and review it, curious of how they were going to bring this beloved story to life on stage. 

This performance was the fun, magical theatre experience that we all need. Incorporating all the elements that made the original so iconic, while adding a few modern twists, adding a new lease of life to it. Visually this show definitely captured the eye. With minimal physical sets, they used the background screen and clever lighting to create the wonderful world of Oz.

What a cast this was! Getting to, yet again, see the brilliant talents of Craig Revel Horwood, as The Wicked Witch of the West, who owed his presence on the stage, bringing his take of the character to life.

It was easy to see who had captured the audience’s hearts from the very start. The Scarecrow, portrayed by Benjamin Yates, The Tin Man portrayed by Aston Merrygold and The Cowardly Lion, portrayed by Nic Greenshields, were such a treat to watch. Everything from showing off their incredible vocal talents (particularly Nic Greenshields, whose voice left me with goosebumps), to their remarkable physical comedy, that had the audience in stitches. Their characters’ chemistry on stage not only showed off their talents as actors, but added to the energy of the show, pulling the audience into the story and had us rooting for this unlikely group of friends. 

Aviva Tulley as Dorothy Gale was sensational. Her powerful rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ blew the audience away. It is hard to take on such an iconic role, stepping into the ruby slippers of Judy Garland, but Aviva Tulley truly did not disappoint. 

The rest of the cast, Alex Bourne as The Wizard of Oz, Emily Bull as Glinda, Abigail Matthews as Toto and the ensemble; Adam Craig, Alexandra Regan, Cole Dunn, David Burrows, Fanja Parent, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Nathan Routledge, Olivia Kate Holding, Rose Ouellette, Sadie Levett, Sydney Spencer, Thomas Kalex, and Tyler Ephraim, helped create this magical masterpiece on stage, bringing together the fun, eccentric dance numbers that had us tap our feet in our seats.

With hilarious quips, sensational costumes and some of your favourite childhood numbers, this reimagined classic is the perfect night out for the whole family to enjoy. The Wizard of Oz will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 28th July, and tickets are selling out fast so get yours now.

You can find out more about The Wizard of Oz UK tour on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

And want to know more about what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.