A powerful new production of The Wizard of Oz is captivating audiences at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale while exploring themes of grief and self-realisation.
A Rebellious Dorothy's Journey
In playwright Sonia Jalaly's contemporary update, Dorothy is reimagined as a 13-year-old girl portrayed with emotional depth by Nimi Spiff. Unlike the visitors drawn to Keswick for its scenic mountains and famous cream cakes, this Dorothy feels trapped. Grieving for her mother and fantasising about her absent father, she dreams of escaping to London's excitement.
When a fierce Lake District storm hits, Dorothy makes a dramatic escape through her aunt and uncle's upstairs window, setting her on an unexpected path to the magical land of Oz.
Familiar Characters with New Depth
While all the beloved L Frank Baum characters remain present, including punky flying monkeys, this production delves deeper into emotional territory. Dorothy's journey becomes one of anger management and self-discovery, as her unprocessed grief threatens to turn into hatred - something the Wicked Witch of the West, played compellingly by Emma Jay Thomas, eagerly attempts to exploit.
The production's message resonates clearly: home isn't merely a physical location but where the heart finds belonging.
Visual Spectacle and Musical Numbers
The transformation from the wintery Cumbrian landscape to the vibrant world of Oz is beautifully realised through Yoav Segal's set design. The craggy skyline gives way to spangly turquoise Munchkins and lime-green residents of the Emerald City.
Nimi Spiff charts Dorothy's evolution from rebellious teenager to confident young adult with convincing emotional truth, delivering spirited vocal performances throughout. However, some of Ziad Jabero's songs prove overly wordy, occasionally hindering the narrative flow.
Director Sarah Punshon's production occasionally leans too heavily toward cartoonish humour aimed at younger audiences, which can diminish the story's inherent urgency. Nevertheless, moments of genuine theatrical magic emerge, particularly through the Wicked Witch's stage-engulfing black cloak and the hi-tech spectacle of the Wizard's lair.
Standout performances include Vinnie Monachello's endearing portrayal of Toto and Michael Hugo's portrayal of the Wizard, who proves as disappointing as Dorothy's long-lost father.
This Christmas production runs at Theatre by the Lake until 11 January, offering families a thought-provoking twist on a beloved classic that ultimately celebrates courage, resourcefulness, and the true meaning of home.
