Review: The Wizard of Oz, Bristol Hippodrome - 'A timeless classic that fills you with joy'

The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic that always fills you with joy, no matter how many times you’ve watched it, and the musical version just does that.    

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s take on the iconic 1939 film has all the characters, scenes and songs we love - but with the added excitement of a modern theatre experience.     

The plot is one we all know, as Dorothy and her three new friends embark on a journey over the rainbow to the Emerald City. 

Aviva Tulley stars in the role of Dorothy, with support from JLS star Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow and Nic Greenshields as The Cowardly Lion.      

But the standout of the show is drag superstar The Vivienne, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West with strong vocals and an excellent presence whenever she is on stage.

Toto, the dog, is played by a puppet but you soon forget that with how swift the movements are.

With a minimal set, the musical version instead makes use of a large screen on the back of the stage with modern graphics that leave you feeling immersed in the land of Oz.   

Alongside this, the show has incredible use of lighting which makes the tornado scene almost feel like it’s about to burst off the stage and into the audience. 

The high-quality production, combined with the strong performance of the cast, really has you rooting for them as they seek the Wizard of Oz to give them a brain, heart and courage.     

The show is fast-moving and something all the family will enjoy, with many leaving the theatre with their spirits lifted and humming along to the Merry Old Land of Oz.  

The Wizard of Oz runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday, April 7. For tickets, click here.