WICKED WIZARD OF OZ | WINTER GARDENS, BLACKPOOL
High energy performances, daredevil stunts and action-packed audience participation take pantomime to a whole new level in Wicked Wizard of Oz – A Cirque Spectacular.
The brainchild of father and son producers Jon and Jordan Conway of World’s Biggest Productions (WBP), it should come as no surprise really, Jon first reinvented the traditional festive experience way back in the early 1980’s with Artist Management Group’s production of Robinson Crusoe in Outer Space and was later a founder of Qdos Productions, which, at its peak, produced 35 star-studded contemporary pantos across the UK every Christmas.
With WBP, Jon, along with Jordan who also stars as The Scarecrow in this year’s ground-breaking production, has once more taken a well loved title and turned it into eye-popping family entertainment guaranteed to have young and old roaring with laughter, singing along, shouting out and joining in, not least when there’s a wicked witch to be dealt with.
Inspired by Frank L Baum’s books and characters, Wicked Wizard of Oz is a glorious, original romp revealing what happens when young Dorothy finds herself whisked away, somewhere over the rainbow. On a quest to get home with the help of her new found friends – a hilarious scarecrow clown in search of a brain, a high-wire walking cowardly Lion looking to rediscover their nerve, and a Tin Man who can transform into a 10ft giant – Dorothy embarks on a series of adventures in the magical world of Oz as the friends set of in search of the Emerald Circus.
With the Wicked Witch in pursuit, they set off to find the Wizard, the only man who can help them and soon find themselves caught in a battle between the Wizard and the Witch as the pair vie to see who can present the best circus show. Will the foursome have what it takes to ensure the Wizard’s Emerald Circus triumphs over the Wicked Witch’s Sinister Circus? If they realise they already have the brains, heart and bravery they’re looking for, they may just do so… aided by the audience, of course.
With performers on stage, suspended high above the audience and all around the auditorium, Wicked Wizard of Oz is a truly immersive and interactive experience, anchored by Jordan Conway’s loveable Scarecrow, who drives the action, comedy and mayhem with an irrepressible childlike glee. It’s an infectious performance that combines split second comic timing and breath-taking circus skills.
Playing Dorothy, Conway’s longtime co-star Kelly Banlaki is also impressive and in great voice. Feisty and fearless, her Dorothy is a role-model for today. Together, Banlaki and Conway share a rare stage chemistry; as a double-act they have honed an instinctive short-hand over seasons of working together and it is thrilling to watch.
It’s perhaps unsurprising, as throughout his reign as the King of pusing pantomime’s boundaries, Conway senior long ago discovered the strengths of creating ‘panto families’, where a core of young up and coming and local performers return each year, quickly becoming stars in their own right. So it is with Conway junior and Banlaki who, over seven years have also teamed up as Buddy and Jovie in Elf The Arena Spectacular, Peter and Wendy in Peter Pan The Arena Spectacular with Boy George and Laurel and Chaplin The Feud.
Joining the WBP panto family for the first time this year, zany international pianist Kev Orkian is instantly at home, but then he knows exactly how it works. Discovered by Conway senior back in his Qdos days, Orkian’s easy rapport ensures that any fourth wall is quickly demolished in a pre-show routine that has the audience warmed-up and ready for the fun to follow. Orkian is the consummate showman.
Strong support comes from Ebony Feare as a deliciously evil Wicked Witch with great vocals, Tamara Kabina proves a timid and gracefully glamorous Lion while Nathan Paul’s fire-breathing, hip-hop Tin Man is cool.
With giant digital backdrop and a 30-strong ensemble of acrobats, aerialists, aero and hip hop dancers, singers and actor/musicians, including 15 world class cirque performers (Stilt Men Mark Tait and Adrian South stand out, literally, as they’re head and shoulders above every one else) ensure that Wicked Wizard of Oz is an exciting feast for the senses – not least when it’s time to grab a snowball and knock the Wicked Witch of her broomstick.
Glorious fun for all the family.
