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UK Tickets followed the Yellow Brick Road to the London Palladium this week to see a preview performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production, The Wizard of Oz. 

Based on the popular 1939 MGM film, this vibrant musical has been re-imagined for the stage with additional music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and leading roles for Michael Crawford, Danielle Hope, Emily Tierney and Hannah Waddingham.

Although only a fourth preview, Web Editor Ben gives his thoughts on how the show went:

Curtain Up on the Land of Oz

The overture began to rapturous applause as the last audience members took their seats in a packed auditorium. The show opened on the familiar Kansas farm with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry setting the three farmhands to work and calming their troublesome neighbour, Miss Gulch, who claimed to have been bitten by Dorothy’s dog, Toto.

Danielle Hope and Michael Crawford were the performers everybody was looking out for and by the end of the show both had more than lived up to audience' expectations. As fans of the BBC talent search "Over the Rainbow" will testify, Hope has a singing voice and stage presence that belie her age; whilst Crawford was immediately at home on his London Palladium return – receiving a warm welcome before putting in a thoroughly accomplished and enjoyable performance as “Professor Marvel” and “The Wizard of Oz”.

The Wicked Witch of the West

It’s hard not to draw parallels with the characters of the mega-successful musical Wicked when “Glinda the Good Witch” and her malicious rival - “The Wicked Witch of the West” - first appear. However, Emily Tierney and Hannah Waddingham soon bring their own distinctive characteristics to the parts. Waddingham in particular shows off her vocal prowess in “The Witch’s Song” near the beginning of Act Two. She also “defies gravity” with some nifty aerial stunts.

“The Tin Man”, “Lion” and “Scarecrow” are ably played by Edward Baker-Duly, David Ganly and Paul Keating. All give strong performances, and their characters get plenty of good lines and comic moments before they find their inner qualities to save Dorothy from the Wicked Witch’s murderous plans.

With outstanding production values and accomplished performances all round, it was hard to believe The Wizard of Oz was only on its fourth preview. There was no hint of hiccups despite a pre-show announcement asking for consideration if there were any stoppages. Clutching our stuffed Toto’s (nearly as cuddly as the real thing!), we left happy after a great night’s entertainment.

The Wizard of Oz will surely have families and musical lovers flocking to the Emerald City (well, London) for a long time to come.

The Wizard of Oz opens at the London Palladium on 01 March 2011. Preview performances are now showing.

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