Theatre Review: The Wizard Of Oz - Epstein Theatre, Liverpool

Image Source: Bill Elms

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Date: October 29 2017
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool

The Wizard Of Oz is one of the grandest, most magical and most popular stories of all-time. The tale of Dorothy and Toto having to overcome the Wicked Witch and appease The Wizard Of Oz in order to return home from Kansas, with assistance along the way from three unusual yet trustworthy accomplices (Scarecrow, Tin-Tin & The Cowardly Lion), is one that I'm sure everybody reading this will have seen in the form of the classic 1939 movie.

A theatre version of TWOZ is currently touring the region, and it has just completed a stop-off at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool. So, it was with anticipation and a fair bit of excitement that I headed to one of my local venues to see an all-time great story come to life in physical form.

I mentioned the basic plot of the story earlier, so it's hardly worth me reiterating; instead, I'll jump straight to the performances. Cheryl Fergison was on form as the Wicked Witch, mixing some typically evil insults with pop culture references and the occasional nod to her background as Heather Trott in EastEnders. Maddie Hope Coelho was believable as Dorothy, and her renditions (one near the beginning, one at the end) of Somewhere Over The Rainbow were stunning, drawing much applause and positive feedback from the Epstein audience.

Elsewhere, we had a talented crew on offer to play the other major roles, with David Heath in the role of Scarecrow, Phillip McGuinness as Tin-Man and Richard Hazlewood as The Cowardly Lion. Add to that a few hilarious scenes, a soundtrack which combined vintage TWOZ tracks with modern hits, and some funky dance moves - oh, and the use of a real dog as Toto - and you have a guaranteed recipe for success, right? Especially when you factor in the effective use of pre-recorded video footage to demonstrate Dorothy's journey to Oz from Kansas and vice versa, some excellent backdrops, and costumes which were as faithful to the movie as you could possibly expect.

However, I had a couple of issues with the production. For one, there were a fair few technical glitches, and some characters that weren't meant to be on the stage were visible via the side curtains on more than one occasion. I could overlook this, but not the way in which the story - which, as I mentioned earlier, virtually everybody knows - was modified for seemingly no reason. I won't provide spoilers, but The Wizard's true identity, and how this was revealed, was disappointing, and despite the video scenes showing how Dorothy returns home, we don't get the scene where she recognises the same faces that she met in Oz, one of the key elements of the film. I'll overlook the lack of a multi-coloured horse, though, since admittedly that would be extremely hard to pull off in a theatre setting.

The biggest problem, though, is that judging by the way in which the show was presented, those in charge haven't worked out whether they wanted this to be a pantomime or a play, and in the latter case, whether they wanted it to be comedic or serious. There are undoubtedly many moments of mirth, but with the exception of the Wicked Witch, there was barely any audience interaction in the first half, and some performers occasionally hammed up their roles to the point where they appeared to forget that the purpose of the show was to make people laugh, rather than actually trying to portray the characters from the famous movie. It's not to say that the show was super-serious by any means, but it was hard to determine which direction the producers were looking to take the show into. It's also no surprise that the second half was more enjoyable because there was a greater emphasis on comedy and audience interaction, which the crowd lapped up, and it resembled the panto that I and many other attendees assumed it was meant to be.

These criticisms were certainly not enough to spoil the show, though: I had a great time, and certain elements of the production were as good as you will see amongst pantomimes and children's shows. Indeed, in terms of bringing The Wizard Of Oz to life, this particular portrayal did a fine job, and the kids and adults alike will have gone away looking to rewatch the film and experience more of the magic from Oz. I just hope that the production team will make slight adjustments to the script and decide whether they want to go down the panto route or whether they want this to be more of a play with a comedic edge. If they find their niche, and adjust the script slightly from there, then this show could be elevated to can't-miss territory.

(You can read an interview I conducted with Cheryl and David about The Wizard Of Oz by clicking here.)

Overall Rating: 8/10 - Very Good

Theatre Interview: Cheryl Fergison & David Heath - "You Come Out Of This Show With A Feel-Good Factor"

Image Source: Bill Elms

Written By: Mark Armstrong

The Wizard Of Oz is a timeless classic of a story, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2019. Before that, though, Dorothy and company are coming to life on the stage in an exciting pantomime for all of the family to enjoy. The show heads to the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool next weekend, but before then, we spoke to two of the stars from this production, Cheryl Fergison and David Heath, on their characters, their careers and their futures!

First of all, tell us about your characters in The Wizard Of Oz.

Cheryl Fergison: I'm playing the Wicked Witch Of The West, which I thoroughly enjoy because, since Heather Trott was such a nice character in EastEnders, it's really good to be playing a baddie and making lots of children cry for a little bit! (Laughs) It's a great part, and I get to be quite nasty in a cheeky kind of way, so I like that.

David Heath: I get to play the lovable Scarecrow. So, I'm Dorothy's first friend that she gets to meet. He's quite funny, quite dozy, and I love the character; I can act silly and not be serious, so that's good! (Laughs)

What previous pantomime and theatre experience do the two of you have?

Cheryl: This will be my third time working on this particular show. I only come back to shows that I really enjoy doing. I'm also about to do a panto in Carlisle; I've been doing panto for the last few years since I left Eastenders. But I do a lot of shows; I'm touring on a show called Menopause: The Musical next year, which I've been touring on for the last couple of years as well. So, there's a lot of theatre for me at the moment; I've done the odd bits of telly, but it's mainly theatre for me right now.

David: I've done pantomime myself, firstly as a dancer, and then I went on to playing different characters. It's nice to be playing the Scarecrow this time because I'm usually always the Prince, so I get to act a bit different and a bit sillier than in the Prince role. So, I do a lot of pantomimes. I've got one at Christmas also, but this one is just brilliant and magical for the whole family. There's a lot of things going on; they've got fire, pyrotechnics, glitter and everything. It's a great pantomime to be in; it's fun as well, with lots of new songs. It's really good, and it's got a real dog as well.

Cheryl: It's a great show, it's very modern, it's good for the families, and also it's a chance to be a bit nasty to make some of the young people cry. Chantelle Nolan, the producer of the show, slotted in loads of stuff that's gonna be great for the younger ones. There's UV scenes, there's puppets, and that kinds of brings it back round for the ones who may cry, to realise that nothing is as scary as it seems. It's a lot of fun, it's a really fun show. It's definitely the one thing that people should see during half-term in one of the three venues.

David: There's also some great talent including singers and actors. The kids will know all of the different songs; it's just a fantastic production to be honest.

Cheryl, how did you land the part of Heather Trott in EastEnders back in 2007?

Cheryl: I was in EastEnders two years previously playing Heather. You can't go into the show again until two years later, and the story was that I'd been in prison with Kat Slater for a couple of episodes. So, two years later, they wrote the part of Heather, and the casting person there (Julia Crampsie) said "I know somebody who could do this." So, they offered it to me first, I went in and read for the part. I thought other people were going to come in and read for it, but luckily I got it. I was only meant to be in it for about five episodes, or something like that, but then five years later I was still in it! So, it was brilliant. I loved it.

You've also appeared on many other television shows over the last ten years. what have been some of the highlights of this part of your career?

Cheryl: I would say that every show that I could participate in was a highlight for me, because it means that you're working, which is very, very good! (Laughs) That's always good for an actor. I've worked for some amazing people, and I'm still learning. I love going into new places within theatre and television and learning from all my peers, and even from the younger performers. It's what keeps me going. I've had a lot of highlights; EastEnders is obviously the main highlight. But I always say that my career highlights are still yet to come.

David: I think it was meeting me!

Cheryl: Yeah, it was meeting you! (Laughs)

David, you made your name as a member of Eton Road on the first series of The X Factor. How was this experience, and was there more pressure given that, despite knowing each other for a long time, the group had only officially formed a few days in advance?

David: Yeah, there was a lot of pressure at the time, but we absolutely loved the experience. I was only young at the time, so I wish that I knew then what I know now. But the whole experience was just absolutely fantastic. We got to be on TV every weekend with our best friends and to perform on the live shows. Then, we got to do The X Factor arena tour straight afterwards, which was an unreal experience to be touring the country in every arena, and I got to present it as well, so it was just surreal. I couldn't believe that I'd just come out of college and went straight into all of that.

Your career has taken on different directions since then, and you are currently running a dance school named Attitude Dance. When did this begin, and what does your work involve?

David: I'd trained in a musical theatre course in college, and I got my teaching qualification there, but obviously I went straight onto TV and I didn't get to use it. So, once I'd done all of the things that came from it, I thought that I wanted to come back to my hometown and I wanted to perform. I wanted to give what I've learned to the children in my local area, and to get them off the streets. Where I live in Bootle had received such a bad name around it, so I wanted to show that there was good about the area. There's good talent there, there's good people there, so I decided to open a dance school. I've been running it for seven years now, and we teach all different styles including commercial, street, lyrical and ballet, and for the whole family we have fitness classes for all ages. The youngest kid that we have is 4, and the oldest lady that we have is 65.

What are the future plans for you both?

David: I'd love to keep performing; I love to perform, hence why I'm in The Wizard Of Oz. I also want to make my dancing school as big as possible, as well as to hopefully open a college in the future, and to move it onto the next generation in that way.

Cheryl: Just to keep getting work, that's the plan! (Laughs) Seriously, I am moving up to the North-West from London very soon, so I may keep an eye out for Corrie or Emmerdale, or maybe I could be a Hollyoaks babe, I don't know! (Laughs)

Finally, why should the Liverpool audience come to see The Wizard Of Oz?

David: I've brought my little niece to come and watch it. She came as Dorothy, and she was so amazed at the glitz and the fireworks. She's only two, and she never stopped staring at the stage, the fire, the fireworks, the colour, and she loved the music. Plus, as I mentioned, there's a real dog on stage, and the characters are so true to how they should be based on those playing them; Cheryl was so involved with her Witch character. So, I think that the show is just so magical, and it's supporting a Liverpool-run company as well.

Cheryl: I think it's one of those shows where you come out with that feel-good factor. You can come with your family, or you could come on your own. It is meant for everybody, and there's something in it for everyone, so everybody will identify with it, and the story is fantastic. So I think it's something that you must come and see; come out of your home, come away from the television, and just have a great memory with your family or your friends.

The Wizard Of Oz runs at The Epstein Theatre from Friday October 27 to Sunday October 29. To book your tickets, click here.

A Spectacular Season Of Entertainment At Liverpool's Theatrical Gem!

Image Source: Epstein Theatre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

The Epstein Theatre are continuing their exciting season of entertainment for autumn/winter 2017 - from thought-provoking drama to sing-along musicals, great music, hilarious comedy and fun for all the family. You can book tickets for the shows at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk/whats-on.

Image Source:
Epstein Theatre

Former Never Mind The Buzzcocks chairman Simon Amstell is embarking on his fifth UK tour, What Is This, which promises to be a deeply personal, funny exploration of beauty, intimacy, freedom, sex and love. See him on November 2.

Gok Wan – Naked and Baring All, on November 15, sees the TV fashion guru revealing all about his life, from humble beginnings on a Leicester council estate, to becoming one of the country’s most recognised faces.

Award-winning Jason Byrne returns to the Epstein on November 23 with his hilarious new show The Man With Three Brains. The fastest thinking comic around will not only trip himself up, but probably you too.

Music lovers are in for a treat this season with the Epstein’s musical offering which has something for everyone – from My Leonard Cohen, a tribute to the great singer-songwriter from October 13-15, to Wannabe – The Spice Girls Story (October 19).

Image Source:
Epstein Theatre

There are also tributes to the late great Marc Bolan, 40 years after his death, with a visit from T.Rextasy on November 16, while the next evening the music of Swedish superstars Abba is celebrated in Gimmie Abba.

And there are also a host of original artists making a date with the Epstein during the Autumn.

You won’t want to miss The Pies + Mark Roberts on October 20. Liverpool’s legendary graffiti band will play a rare live set at the Epstein following up on the release of their Best of Pies album. And they will be supported by the world’s greatest streaker, Mark Roberts, doing a stand-up spot.

Liverpool favourite Joe Longthorne appears at the theatre on November 3 in a show that was originally due to take place at the end of May. He will appear with his sensational live band and a special guest artist. And 80s singer Hazel O’Connor brings her big vocals to Liverpool on November 21, performing all the hits from her first three albums including Breaking Glass.

Image Source: Epstein Theatre

And it may be cold outside but it will be hot, hot, hot in the auditorium when the hunky Dreamboys pay a visit to the theatre on November 24. The UK’s top male strip show is perfect for a girls night out with all your friends. It’s a hard knock life for LHK Youth Theatre which presents Annie the Musical from November 10-12, while The Heath Perform and LIPA 4:19 present a special schools edition of the iconic musical Les Miserables on November 18-19.

Young audiences are at the heart of much of the Epstein’s Autumn programme.

Image Source: Epstein Theatre

Click your heels and follow the yellow brick road to make a date for the hugely popular The Wizard of Oz, starring EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison as the Wicked Witch of the West, which comes to the theatre for three days from October 27-29.

Little ones will love The Night Pirates on November 4-5. Adapted from the best-selling children’s book by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright, it tells the tale of a group of little girl pirates who descend on a young boy called Tom at bedtime. Eager to join the pirate adventure, Tom uses his house as a pirate ship and sets sail to retrieve stolen treasure from Captain Patch and the bumbling grown-up pirates.

Finally, this year’s fantastic festive show sees a return for the boy who never grew up. Families are invited to fly away on a flight of fancy and fun with Peter Pan. The show features 90s boyband star Dane Bowers as Peter Pan’s arch nemesis Captain Hook, 2016 Britain’s Got Talent contestant Lewis Pryor flying across the stage as the titular Peter, and Radio City’s Claire Simmo who will be adding lots of glitz and sparkle as Tinkerbell.

Rebekah Pichilingi, theatre manager, commented: “Yet again we’ve put together a brilliant line-up of shows for our autumn/winter season, with something to appeal to everyone, whatever your taste or budget, from comedy to family entertainment, and drama to some great musical tributes and original artists.

“The team and I are confident we will be welcoming you back once more to this delightful theatre in the heart of Liverpool.”

SHOW LISTINGS:

My Leonard Cohen
Date: Friday October 13–Sunday October 15
Time: 8pm (Friday), 1.30pm and 8pm (Saturday), 6pm (Sunday)
Tickets: From £16

Wannabe – The Spice Girls Show
Date: Thursday October 19
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £19.50. Concessions £17.50.

The Pies + Mark Roberts
Date: Friday October 20
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £16

The Wizard Of Oz
Date: Friday October 27–Sunday October 29
Time: 6pm (Friday), 10.30am, 1pm and 6pm (Saturday), 12pm and 4pm (Sunday).
Tickets: From £13

Simon Amstell: What Is This?
Date: Thursday November 2
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £24

Joe Longthorne
Date: Friday November 3
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £23.50

The Night Pirates
Date: Saturday November 4–Sunday November 5
Time: 1.30pm (Saturday), 11am and 2pm (Sunday)
Tickets: £13.50. Family ticket £46.

Annie - The Musical
Date: Friday November 10–Sunday November 12
Time: 7pm (Friday), 1.30pm and 6pm (Saturday), 2pm (Sunday)
Tickets: £16.50. Concessions £14.50.

Gok Wan – Naked and Baring All
Date: Wednesday November 15
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £26

T.Rextasy
Date: Thursday November 16
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £20

Gimmie Abba
Date: Friday November 17
Time: 1.30pm (Saturday), 11am and 2pm (Sunday)
Tickets: £19.50. Concessions £17.50.

The Heath Perform/Lipa 4:19 ‘Les Miserables’
Date: Saturday November 18–Sunday November 19
Time: 7pm (Saturday), 2pm and 7pm (Sunday)
Tickets: £15/£13

Hazel O’Connor
Date: Tuesday November 21
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £26

Jason Byrne – The Man With Three Brains
Date: Thursday November 23
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £20.50

The Dreamboys
Date: Friday November 24
Time: 3pm and 7pm
Tickets: £23.50. VIP tickets £28.50

Jack and The Beanstalk
Date: Saturday December 2
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £16

Peter Pan
Date: Friday December 8–Monday January 1
Time: Start times vary
Tickets: From £10-£63

To book tickets, please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk*, or in person at the Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm-6pm from Monday-Thursday and 12pm-6pm from Friday-Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details, check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and on Twitter @EpsteinTheatre.