Review of The Wizard of Oz at Norwich Theatre Royal: Full-throttle version of popular musical starring Drag Race UK star is funny, frenetic and nostalgic

The Wizard of Oz – Theatre Royal, Norwich

Head over the rainbow in your ruby slippers to the wonderfully zany Land of Oz for this full-throttle version of everyone’s favourite musical.

The original Judy Garland version has been bulked up by two of our greatest modern music makers, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, to create a punchier, funnier show.

Aviva Tulley is an independent Dorothy whose rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow will still bring a tear to your eye, while Drag Race UK champion The Vivienne, fantastically made up, of course, is a stiletto-loving Wicked Witch of the West.

The trio of the Scarecrow (Benjamin Yates), Tinman (Marley Fenton) and Lion (Nic Greenshields) have real chemistry and I loved the body popping Tinman!

Veteran West End star Gary Wilmot is a suitably eccentric Wizard and look out for the very clever puppet version of Toto the dog.

A huge screen shows videos aplenty, creating ever-changing perspectives that add to the frenetic feel of the show, while the 10-piece orchestra carries you along on a wave of nostalgia.

This is most definitely a wiz of a Wiz, so follow that Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City - you’ll love it!

The show continues until Saturday. Visit www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy