Review: The Wiz, at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

We all know The Wizard of Oz right? In some way. shape or form, the story of Dorothy and her journey in Oz is universal; whether you know the original book, 1939 film, or even the most famous spin-off of any story in any medium (maybe), Wicked. Well we're going back again, as the Hope Mill Theatre's production this Christmas is The Wiz; an interpretation of the Oz story which is monumental in black musical theatre history. 

You may, like myself, have seen The Wiz Live that was staged a few years ago. But if you haven't seen this piece live on stage before, you likely won't be the only one. 

This revival in Manchester is only the third time the piece has ever been staged professionally in the UK: the first in Hackney, the second in Birmingham. It has never been staged in the West End before. As it is based off such a classic story, it does base the question as to why.... But THAT is definitely a topic for another day. 

The star for me is definitely the choreography, done by Leah Hill (who was part of the original London Hamilton cast). This is heavily inspired by street dance, including R&B, break dance, and even vogue. It's creative, dynamic and really fitting in with the piece; from the way the tornado was shaped, to the way each of Dorothy's companions had their own dance style in their intro (the Scarecrow's was my favourite), to showing a whole other style similar to Fosse with the poppy field. Brand New Day is a great example of the energy of this, as the whole company comes together in celebration; it is the one moment the ensemble as a whole has the chance to truly shine. 

What was just as dynamic and colourful as the choreography personally is the costumes. As soon as we get to Oz, we get different styles, colours and textures. 

Together these make the strongest elements of this particular production, along with the graffiti bright set to create this version of Oz.  

We had flannel and a patched hoodie for the Scarecrow; silver paint flicked onto the Tin Man's dungarees; tight leather trousers and a big faux-fur coat for the Lion who would be a lady magnet if he had the courage; the Wiz's bright green liquid eyeliner; Addaperle's get up being a bit behind everyone else after sleeping in that poppy field. And last but not least, Glinda's dress, which made the whole auditorium gasp. 

Beefing up the creative and performance elements of the show was definitely the right thing to do, as the story isn't as thick as you would expect it to be. Not in the way of "it a piece of its time" like White Christmas, but in the way of "let's be honest, you know this story". Which yes we do, but that doesn't mean rush it all. 

Working with that though, the cast eased (on down the road...) through the material stylishly; particularly Tarik Frimpong, Llewellyn Graham and Jonathan Andre as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion respectfully. Graham got the part through the show's extensive open auditions too! 

Casting director Ryan Carter has done a brilliant job of bringing this cast together; all people of colour, and all of whom have had no large parts before, mainly understudying and ensemble work, or working in the background, as well as some new graduates too. 

Neither myself or my friends had seen or recognised any of the cast in anything else before now. It's one of the things I love about Hope Mill the best. 

The only real problem I had with The Wiz, was unfortunately they need to look at the sound balance. I don't know if it was just where I was sat, but the band's mics were far too loud; to the extent where I almost couldn't hear the soloist; so in songs such as He's The Wizard, when you had band + ensemble + Addaperle, it was a little hard to make out some of the lyrics. 

(Sorry, I had to get that out of the way.)

Would I recommend a trip to Oz? Yes I would. And thankfully you don't need to get to the Hope Mill via a tornado, despite the Manchester weather. 

I think it is also a very good choice for families this Christmas. The bright colours and familiar story make this a good choice if you want a panto-substitute (there are a few bits which did remind me of panto as a matter of fact). Between that and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Lowry (which I will be seeing in January), families have a very good choice if they wish to avoid the "he's behind you" vibes. 

The Wiz is playing at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester until 16th January 2022