A guest review by Karen Canard
Photo Credit: Neil Baxter
As we enter the last couple of weeks of the school holidays, Summer 2024 has certainly delivered a finale of a treat, this time in the form of Dorothy, Back in Oz at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
Dorothy, Back in Oz, written by Mike Akers, is a family highlight not to be missed. Based on the 1985 film Return to Oz, this wonderfully crafted musical delivers hope and happiness sprinkled with a good dose of adventure and intrigue – and mild peril too.
Setting the scene is the most likeable and glamorous chicken ever – Billina (performed by Safia Bartley). With her backing troupe, the Supremes (played by the production’s fabulous Young Company), the show opens with an upbeat and energetic dance routine before she eases into her role as our friendly narrator and Dorothy’s pet chicken.
We are soon introduced to our heroine-to-be Dorothy Gale (Anya de Villiers), a pre-teen experiencing the emotional storm of her widowed mum (Leonie Spilsbury) inviting her new partner Bradley (Michael Lambourne) to move into their family home in Stowmarket. It isn’t long before Dorothy finds herself in the middle of a physical storm, trying to rescue Bradley’s prized possession (a mounted deer head) from a torrential flood that in turn magically transports her back to Oz.
The choreography and stage transitions that accompany Dorothy’s journey offer a key indication of the calibre of the show’s imaginative production values – a seamless and perfect blend of creative stage setting, lighting effects and immersive acting.
You will not be disappointed by what follows either. Back in Oz, Michael Lambourne and Leonie Spilsbury reappear on stage as the evil Gnome King and the wicked Princess Langwidere. It is testament to their craft that it’s so easy to forget that our first encounter with them was as Bradley and Dorothy’s mum (plus a few other comedic surprises thrown in) – as is Anya de Villier’s transition from stroppy pre-teen Dorothy in Stowmarket to the heroic and optimistic protagonist of Oz.
Now ruled under the darkness of the menacing Gnome King, with his peril-inducing Munchkins and Princess Langwidere, Dorothy’s mission is to bring back hope for the people of Oz with the help of friends, new and old. Enter the wonderful Tik Tok (Nathanial Purnell), Scarecrow (Francis Winsbury-Cutts) and Lioness (Elizabeth Kennell-Webb) – the latter roles played by local Young Company members and whose performances and confidence in delivery perfectly rise to meet the high calibre of the professional cast.
Dorothy, Back in Oz is a fantastic example of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds doing what it does best, blending its professional stage craft and expertise with its drive to bring the arts into the community and inspire and nurture a new generation of talent. This year’s Young Company features sixteen exceptionally talented young performers who earned their roles through an audition process, working with the theatre’s Choreographer, Producer and Directors. All leading to the delivery of a finely-tuned production that is both entertaining and inspiring.
This is a musical with a contemporary edge, perfectly delivered on opening night. It is packed with strong vocals, dance routines and great comedy that appeals to all generations. It is also a visual feast and aural delight. I shan’t give away what happens at the end of Act 1 but is wonderful in every way and an experience to behold. From start to finish, Dorothy, Back in Oz leaves you smiling, so much so that when it’s all over you wish you could experience it all again.
Dorothy, Back in Oz is at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds until Saturday 31 August. Ticket offers are available, including:
- A Treat with Treatt: Get 2for1 tickets with the code treat241. Applicable on all seats at Dorothy, Back In Oz.
- Special Family Bundle: Buy any Adult and Child ticket for £30. Applicable on price bands A&B.
For more information and to book, visit Theatre Royal Website
A big thank you to Karen Canard for this guest review – she went along to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds representing Suffolk Sound. You can hear Karen on Wednesdays with her show which celebrates sustainability and the green heart of Suffolk.
For more entertainment news on the Suffolk Sound radio station their theatre inspired shows include:
Monday lunchtimes with Sarah Hitchin and Harrison Shorten (12-2pm)
Wednesday afternoons with Eloise Trett (2-4pm)
Sunday lunchtimes – West End Showtime with Shaun Whymark (12-2pm)
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