The Wizard of OzSheffield Crucible Theatre
Director Rob Hastie, Choreography Ewan Jones, Lighting Richard Howell, Puppet direction Rachel Canning
*winner Broadway world best set design 2018*
Designer Janet Bird’s solution is genius (and satisfyingly echoes the style and colour palette of the iconic 1939 film, while rendering them its own). I long to describe it... I’m holding back, so as not to spoil the “Wow! I did not see that coming” surprise of it all. Suffice to say that almost every effect is achieved in full view (often with the help of the frequently on-stage chorus); we see how it’s done, and still we marvel. Here is very little jiggery-pokery trickery but a great deal of honest skill.
***** The Observer
The Wizard of Oz review; Heartwarming romp brims with brains and courage
Robert Hastie’s production is a restrained delight. The festive period is when designers get to play, and Janet Bird’s idiosyncratic design is a corker……..
**** The Guardian