The Wizard of Oz - Curve / Palladium / Tour & GL

[FrontroverPaul]

Has anyone sat yet in the restricted view Palladium front row for Wizard Of Oz - where they reduced seat price from £89.50 to £10 ? We're there next month.

Interested to know whether the restriction is as bad as that huge discount implies.

[ilovewemusicals]

Jul 9, 2023 21:06:35 GMT FrontroverPaul said:

Has anyone sat yet in the restricted view Palladium front row for Wizard Of Oz - where they reduced seat price from £89.50 to £10 ? We're there next month.

Interested to know whether the restriction is as bad as that huge discount implies.

I was third row today and couldn’t see Dorothy fully when she was at the back or the ruby slippers. A bad directorial choice in that she never picks her feet up to show them off. I imagine the front row will be quite restricted but a lot of the set pieces are raised.

[anthony40]

Jason Manford must be dying in the lion suit on this heat!

[alece10]

Jul 10, 2023 7:48:40 GMT anthony40 said:

Jason Manford must be dying in the lion suit on this heat!

Apparently not. He actually tweeted at the weekend saying how cool the theatre and the dressing rooms were. But I'm sure it's boiling on stage.

[jj9692]

Saw the show last night, and while I didn't think the original 2011 production was perfect, it did a pretty good job compared to this.

Georgina, Jason, Louis, Dianne and Christina were the standouts.

Throwing in a rap during If I Only Jad A Heart was a choice. Everybodys applause around me at the end of that number seemed dazed and confused. It was definitely the least responsive reaction of the evening.

Did enjoy spotting all the little nods in the Emerald City during Merry Old Land, didn't not enjoy the Six inspired opening of that song though "Ha ha ha" "Ho ho ho" "and a couple of tra la las".

The ending, loved the original, with the cabinet opening to reveal the slippers for the IT WAS REAL reveal. Including a line with Aunt Em just going "ooooh look at her shoes" because she was still wearing them was just a bit cringy.

Overall I enjoyed the performance, but it really was no patch on the original production.

Don't think I can ever get my head round a motorcycle riding, non flying, broom gun slinging "witch".

[BurlyBeaR]

Some posts moved to new thread for booing at the villain here

theatreboard.co.uk/thread/10858/booing-baddie

[theatrenerd]

Any word on the casting for the tour?

Jason Manford, Ashley Banjo, Gary Wilmot and Louis Gaunt are all booked in for panto this Christmas which is when it starts in Liverpool.

Also from what I’ve seen of photos and footage of this production and the size of some of the venues it’s going to, it will need to be scaled back quite a bit surely?!

[Jon]

I saw this tonight and I have to admit, I like The Wizard of Oz as a film but to me it doesn't work as a stage show because the structure is very episodic and all the attempts to fix this have never quite landed. With this production, the structural issues are still there but by making it more of a panto/musical hybrid, I was able to sit back and enjoy it for what is was, a fun, summer musical.

I quite like that it wasn't trying to be the film and while some bits don't quite work, you can't knock the creative for doing so. It was fun spotting the references in the projections as well as the panto style humour, I'm not sure if it was in the original production but

SPOILER: Click to show

The Lion and Tin Man getting offended by Dorothy saying she'll miss the Scarecrow most of all which always bugged me in the film

. The standouts in terms of the cast were Christina Bianco, Dianne Pilkington and Georgina Onuorah. The trio of Jason Manford, Louis Gaunt and Ashley Banjo worked well although it's amusing that they have Jason Manford who can sing but can't dance and Ashley Banjo who can dance but can't sing.

It was fairly packed tonight with lots of families and they all seemed to be loving it.

[theatrenerd]

Jul 13, 2023 22:33:01 GMT Jon said:

I saw this tonight and I have to admit, I like The Wizard of Oz as a film but to me it doesn't work as a stage show because the structure is very episodic and all the attempts to fix this have never quite landed. With this production, the structural issues are still there but by making it more of a panto/musical hybrid, I was able to sit back and enjoy it for what is was, a fun, summer musical.

I quite like that it wasn't trying to be the film and while some bits don't quite work, you can't knock the creative for doing so. It was fun spotting the references in the projections as well as the panto style humour, I'm not sure if it was in the original production but

SPOILER: Click to show

The Lion and Tin Man getting offended by Dorothy saying she'll miss the Scarecrow most of all which always bugged me in the film

. The standouts in terms of the cast were Christina Bianco, Dianne Pilkington and Georgina Onuorah. The trio of Jason Manford, Louis Gaunt and Ashley Banjo worked well although it's amusing that they have Jason Manford who can sing but can't dance and Ashley Banjo who can dance but can't sing.

It was fairly packed tonight with lots of families and they all seemed to be loving it.

Yes, that part was in the original 2011 production, but I can’t remember specifically what they say and how they move on. It always reminds me of this gag from Family Guy.

[musicbox]

I had no plans tonight and very last minute found that the entire front row was available with £20 tickets for this show, so bought one on a whim (Spoilers within) -

Unfortunately the restricted view seats in the front row are extremely restricted at this show,
due to the massive screen frame that surrounds the stage. I sat in the exact same seat in 2021 when I seen Joseph (the aisle seat on stage right for anyone interested) and although restricted, still felt that I could see most things, but unfortunately the frame really does mean you only see about 20% of the stage and will spend quite a lot of the night enjoying the story through audio.

There were many times for example where I could hear the wicked witche’s voice (Diane Pilkington) and see people reacting to her, but couldn’t see a thing, so I’m not sure if she was on the video screen at the back or actually on stage.

The obvious advantage of sitting in this seat is that the cast are very close to you and I had an excellent view of the orchestra pit (I was fascinated by the eccentric conductor who kept shaking his massive fringe up and down every time there was a modulation).

Honestly I can’t say I could recommend this seat unless you really have no other option, I missed massive parts of the show and couldn’t see virtually any of the staging.

I thought the entire cast did a great job from what I could see and was pleasantly surprised by Ashley Banjo, who was actually pretty convincing. Jason Manford was also funny as expected and can really sing, and I was also really impressed by Christina Bianco’s voice (Although I found her Glinda slightly annoying to be honest). Diane Pilkington is of course a legend at this point and it was also pretty interesting to see Gary Wilmot as the wizard, after seeing him do essentially the same role but in a different context in Wicked last year - I had a slight deja vu moment!

One person I was especially impressed with though was Georgina - she really is amazing! I seen her as CHF’s alternate in Cinderella last year and feel so happy for her that she’s managed to snag the principle role in another ALW musical just a year later. That’s an incredible trajectory, but also not surprising as she’s brilliant and I’ve heard very hardworking.

And in a completely non show related but also loosely related to my last paragraph aside…I ended up having a very embarrassing moment on my way to the tube station tonight. I had to run through Leicester Square from the Palladium to get to Charing Cross station, and as you can imagine it was absolutely heaving with people.

I spotted a break in the traffic just outside of the national portrait gallery, ran across really fast and unfortunately bumped straight into someone else on the other side of the street…who much to my absolute horror turned out to be Carrie Hope Fletcher, standing outside the Garrick, taking pictures with what looked to be the last few people at stage door for the Crown Jewels. She looked slightly confused and I’m not sure if she even heard me apologise as some fans were trying to get her attention, but I was literally mortified.

I seen the Crown Jewels on Monday night in the front row and just so happen to be wearing the exact same coat tonight…so I really hope Carrie doesn’t think I’m an obsessed fan trying to make my way to her (I’m aware that this is highly unlikely but I’m still totally mortified).

Back to the wizard of oz though, I’d definitely recommend the show, but avoid the front row if you can.

[Jon]

Jul 15, 2023 21:44:23 GMT musicbox said:

I had no plans tonight and very last minute found that the entire front row was available with £20 tickets for this show, so bought one on a whim (Spoilers within) -

Unfortunately the restricted view seats in the front row are extremely restricted at this show,
due to the massive screen frame that surrounds the stage. I sat in the exact same seat in 2021 when I seen Joseph (the aisle seat on stage right for anyone interested) and although restricted, still felt that I could see most things, but unfortunately the frame really does mean you only see about 20% of the stage and will spend quite a lot of the night enjoying the story through audio.

There were many times for example where I could hear the wicked witche’s voice (Diane Pilkington) and see people reacting to her, but couldn’t see a thing, so I’m not sure if she was on the video screen at the back or actually on stage.

The obvious advantage of sitting in this seat is that the cast are very close to you and I had an excellent view of the orchestra pit (I was fascinated by the eccentric conductor who kept shaking his massive fringe up and down every time there was a modulation).

Honestly I can’t say I could recommend this seat unless you really have no other option, I missed massive parts of the show and couldn’t see virtually any of the staging.

I thought the entire cast did a great job from what I could see and was pleasantly surprised by Ashley Banjo, who was actually pretty convincing. Jason Manford was also funny as expected and can really sing, and I was also really impressed by Christina Bianco’s voice (Although I found her Glinda slightly annoying to be honest). Diane Pilkington is of course a legend at this point and it was also pretty interesting to see Gary Wilmot as the wizard, after seeing him do essentially the same role but in a different context in Wicked last year - I had a slight deja vu moment!

One person I was especially impressed with though was Georgina - she really is amazing! I seen her as CHF’s alternate in Cinderella last year and feel so happy for her that she’s managed to snag the principle role in another ALW musical just a year later. That’s an incredible trajectory, but also not surprising as she’s brilliant and I’ve heard very hardworking.

And in a completely non show related but also loosely related to my last paragraph aside…I ended up having a very embarrassing moment on my way to the tube station tonight. I had to run through Leicester Square from the Palladium to get to Charing Cross station, and as you can imagine it was absolutely heaving with people.

I spotted a break in the traffic just outside of the national portrait gallery, ran across really fast and unfortunately bumped straight into someone else on the other side of the street…who much to my absolute horror turned out to be Carrie Hope Fletcher, standing outside the Garrick, taking pictures with what looked to be the last few people at stage door for the Crown Jewels. She looked slightly confused and I’m not sure if she even heard me apologise as some fans were trying to get her attention, but I was literally mortified.

I seen the Crown Jewels on Monday night in the front row and just so happen to be wearing the exact same coat tonight…so I really hope Carrie doesn’t think I’m an obsessed fan trying to make my way to her (I’m aware that this is highly unlikely but I’m still totally mortified).

Back to the wizard of oz though, I’d definitely recommend the show, but avoid the front row if you can.

Couldn't you have just got the Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross? It's literally two stops from Oxford Circus Station. 

[musicbox]

Jul 15, 2023 22:47:07 GMT Jon said:

Jul 15, 2023 21:44:23 GMT musicbox said:

I had no plans tonight and very last minute found that the entire front row was available with £20 tickets for this show, so bought one on a whim (Spoilers within) -

Unfortunately the restricted view seats in the front row are extremely restricted at this show,
due to the massive screen frame that surrounds the stage. I sat in the exact same seat in 2021 when I seen Joseph (the aisle seat on stage right for anyone interested) and although restricted, still felt that I could see most things, but unfortunately the frame really does mean you only see about 20% of the stage and will spend quite a lot of the night enjoying the story through audio.

There were many times for example where I could hear the wicked witche’s voice (Diane Pilkington) and see people reacting to her, but couldn’t see a thing, so I’m not sure if she was on the video screen at the back or actually on stage.

The obvious advantage of sitting in this seat is that the cast are very close to you and I had an excellent view of the orchestra pit (I was fascinated by the eccentric conductor who kept shaking his massive fringe up and down every time there was a modulation).

Honestly I can’t say I could recommend this seat unless you really have no other option, I missed massive parts of the show and couldn’t see virtually any of the staging.

I thought the entire cast did a great job from what I could see and was pleasantly surprised by Ashley Banjo, who was actually pretty convincing. Jason Manford was also funny as expected and can really sing, and I was also really impressed by Christina Bianco’s voice (Although I found her Glinda slightly annoying to be honest). Diane Pilkington is of course a legend at this point and it was also pretty interesting to see Gary Wilmot as the wizard, after seeing him do essentially the same role but in a different context in Wicked last year - I had a slight deja vu moment!

One person I was especially impressed with though was Georgina - she really is amazing! I seen her as CHF’s alternate in Cinderella last year and feel so happy for her that she’s managed to snag the principle role in another ALW musical just a year later. That’s an incredible trajectory, but also not surprising as she’s brilliant and I’ve heard very hardworking.

And in a completely non show related but also loosely related to my last paragraph aside…I ended up having a very embarrassing moment on my way to the tube station tonight. I had to run through Leicester Square from the Palladium to get to Charing Cross station, and as you can imagine it was absolutely heaving with people.

I spotted a break in the traffic just outside of the national portrait gallery, ran across really fast and unfortunately bumped straight into someone else on the other side of the street…who much to my absolute horror turned out to be Carrie Hope Fletcher, standing outside the Garrick, taking pictures with what looked to be the last few people at stage door for the Crown Jewels. She looked slightly confused and I’m not sure if she even heard me apologise as some fans were trying to get her attention, but I was literally mortified.

I seen the Crown Jewels on Monday night in the front row and just so happen to be wearing the exact same coat tonight…so I really hope Carrie doesn’t think I’m an obsessed fan trying to make my way to her (I’m aware that this is highly unlikely but I’m still totally mortified).

Back to the wizard of oz though, I’d definitely recommend the show, but avoid the front row if you can.

Couldn't you have just got the Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross? It's literally two stops from Oxford Circus Station. 

I could have, but I have quite bad claustrophobia so try and avoid the sweltering Bakerloo line if I can, especially on weekends. I said Charing Cross, but I actually get the district line home form Embankment and just walk through Charing Cross to avoid the busy pier (I find the district line trains much more open and less stressful than the Bakerloo so don't mind it as much!)

The show finished at around 9:20, so I decided to just walk rather than ram onto the tube, then instantly regretted it as soon as I got into Leicester Square, fighting my way through tourists and almost taking out a west end star in the process.

[FrontroverPaul]

Jul 15, 2023 21:44:23 GMT musicbox said:

I had no plans tonight and very last minute found that the entire front row was available with £20 tickets for this show, so bought one on a whim (Spoilers within) -

Unfortunately the restricted view seats in the front row are extremely restricted at this show,
due to the massive screen frame that surrounds the stage. I sat in the exact same seat in 2021 when I seen Joseph (the aisle seat on stage right for anyone interested) and although restricted, still felt that I could see most things, but unfortunately the frame really does mean you only see about 20% of the stage and will spend quite a lot of the night enjoying the story through audio.

There were many times for example where I could hear the wicked witche’s voice (Diane Pilkington) and see people reacting to her, but couldn’t see a thing, so I’m not sure if she was on the video screen at the back or actually on stage.

The obvious advantage of sitting in this seat is that the cast are very close to you and I had an excellent view of the orchestra pit (I was fascinated by the eccentric conductor who kept shaking his massive fringe up and down every time there was a modulation).

Honestly I can’t say I could recommend this seat unless you really have no other option, I missed massive parts of the show and couldn’t see virtually any of the staging.

I thought the entire cast did a great job from what I could see and was pleasantly surprised by Ashley Banjo, who was actually pretty convincing. Jason Manford was also funny as expected and can really sing, and I was also really impressed by Christina Bianco’s voice (Although I found her Glinda slightly annoying to be honest). Diane Pilkington is of course a legend at this point and it was also pretty interesting to see Gary Wilmot as the wizard, after seeing him do essentially the same role but in a different context in Wicked last year - I had a slight deja vu moment!

One person I was especially impressed with though was Georgina - she really is amazing! I seen her as CHF’s alternate in Cinderella last year and feel so happy for her that she’s managed to snag the principle role in another ALW musical just a year later. That’s an incredible trajectory, but also not surprising as she’s brilliant and I’ve heard very hardworking.

And in a completely non show related but also loosely related to my last paragraph aside…I ended up having a very embarrassing moment on my way to the tube station tonight. I had to run through Leicester Square from the Palladium to get to Charing Cross station, and as you can imagine it was absolutely heaving with people.

I spotted a break in the traffic just outside of the national portrait gallery, ran across really fast and unfortunately bumped straight into someone else on the other side of the street…who much to my absolute horror turned out to be Carrie Hope Fletcher, standing outside the Garrick, taking pictures with what looked to be the last few people at stage door for the Crown Jewels. She looked slightly confused and I’m not sure if she even heard me apologise as some fans were trying to get her attention, but I was literally mortified.

I seen the Crown Jewels on Monday night in the front row and just so happen to be wearing the exact same coat tonight…so I really hope Carrie doesn’t think I’m an obsessed fan trying to make my way to her (I’m aware that this is highly unlikely but I’m still totally mortified).

Back to the wizard of oz though, I’d definitely recommend the show, but avoid the front row if you can.

The whole front row was previously reduced to £10 (initially £89.50!) and from what you say that's all it's worth to sit there - so surprising there's now been a 100% increase. 

[Jon]

Jul 15, 2023 22:55:59 GMT musicbox said:

Jul 15, 2023 22:47:07 GMT Jon said:

Couldn't you have just got the Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross? It's literally two stops from Oxford Circus Station. 

I could have, but I have quite bad claustrophobia so try and avoid the sweltering Bakerloo line if I can, especially on weekends. I said Charing Cross, but I actually get the district line home form Embankment and just walk through Charing Cross to avoid the busy pier (I find the district line trains much more open and less stressful than the Bakerloo so don't mind it as much!)

The show finished at around 9:20, so I decided to just walk rather than ram onto the tube, then instantly regretted it as soon as I got into Leicester Square, fighting my way through tourists and almost taking out a west end star in the process.

It's not as quick but the Elizabeth Line from Bond Street Station to Tottenham Court Road or Paddington is another option although the former is still a fair walk to Embankment and Paddington requires walking to the District/Circle Line Station. I used it the other day when I went to the show.

[alece10]

If you can only see 20% of the stage then I wouldn't even go if the ticket was free. I don't see the point in going to see a show if you can't see anything. Even if I was on a tight budget I'd just give it a miss if I couldn't see anything.

[BurlyBeaR]

They should take the front row off sale, surely.

[musicbox]

Jul 15, 2023 23:29:15 GMT FrontroverPaul said:

Jul 15, 2023 21:44:23 GMT musicbox said:

I had no plans tonight and very last minute found that the entire front row was available with £20 tickets for this show, so bought one on a whim (Spoilers within) -

Unfortunately the restricted view seats in the front row are extremely restricted at this show,
due to the massive screen frame that surrounds the stage. I sat in the exact same seat in 2021 when I seen Joseph (the aisle seat on stage right for anyone interested) and although restricted, still felt that I could see most things, but unfortunately the frame really does mean you only see about 20% of the stage and will spend quite a lot of the night enjoying the story through audio.

There were many times for example where I could hear the wicked witche’s voice (Diane Pilkington) and see people reacting to her, but couldn’t see a thing, so I’m not sure if she was on the video screen at the back or actually on stage.

The obvious advantage of sitting in this seat is that the cast are very close to you and I had an excellent view of the orchestra pit (I was fascinated by the eccentric conductor who kept shaking his massive fringe up and down every time there was a modulation).

Honestly I can’t say I could recommend this seat unless you really have no other option, I missed massive parts of the show and couldn’t see virtually any of the staging.

I thought the entire cast did a great job from what I could see and was pleasantly surprised by Ashley Banjo, who was actually pretty convincing. Jason Manford was also funny as expected and can really sing, and I was also really impressed by Christina Bianco’s voice (Although I found her Glinda slightly annoying to be honest). Diane Pilkington is of course a legend at this point and it was also pretty interesting to see Gary Wilmot as the wizard, after seeing him do essentially the same role but in a different context in Wicked last year - I had a slight deja vu moment!

One person I was especially impressed with though was Georgina - she really is amazing! I seen her as CHF’s alternate in Cinderella last year and feel so happy for her that she’s managed to snag the principle role in another ALW musical just a year later. That’s an incredible trajectory, but also not surprising as she’s brilliant and I’ve heard very hardworking.

And in a completely non show related but also loosely related to my last paragraph aside…I ended up having a very embarrassing moment on my way to the tube station tonight. I had to run through Leicester Square from the Palladium to get to Charing Cross station, and as you can imagine it was absolutely heaving with people.

I spotted a break in the traffic just outside of the national portrait gallery, ran across really fast and unfortunately bumped straight into someone else on the other side of the street…who much to my absolute horror turned out to be Carrie Hope Fletcher, standing outside the Garrick, taking pictures with what looked to be the last few people at stage door for the Crown Jewels. She looked slightly confused and I’m not sure if she even heard me apologise as some fans were trying to get her attention, but I was literally mortified.

I seen the Crown Jewels on Monday night in the front row and just so happen to be wearing the exact same coat tonight…so I really hope Carrie doesn’t think I’m an obsessed fan trying to make my way to her (I’m aware that this is highly unlikely but I’m still totally mortified).

Back to the wizard of oz though, I’d definitely recommend the show, but avoid the front row if you can.

The whole front row was previously reduced to £10 (initially £89.50!) and from what you say that's all it's worth to sit there - so surprising there's now been a 100% increase. 

The fact that they were originally selling these for £89.50 is ludicrous, I even felt that £20 was too much for the view I had.

Jul 16, 2023 8:07:33 GMT BurlyBeaR said:

They should take the front row off sale, surely.

To be fair, I was sitting on the far aisle seat, so I can imagine that those who were more in the centre of the row would’ve had a better view - Maybe the best conclusion would be to only put the middle section on sale at a reduced price?

Regardless, I still couldn’t possibly recommend.

[StageyBrum]

I caught this at the weekend after winning lottery tickets. Row M and it was great view.

I thought it was great. Massive fan of the world of Oz and all its subsidiaries. It irks me sometimes that people think that Oz has to always be an homage to the classic film and can’t stray. Even people around me were making comments like “I don’t understand why she doesn’t come in on a bubble etc”

There were 2 things I couldn’t get on board with.
- Lullaby league / lollipop guild portions of Arrival in Munchkinland
- The Wicked Witch. She just wasn’t portraying wickedness more just acting like a spoilt child.

Christina Bianco was exceptional!!

[matty]

Saw this tonight and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Agree with the pistet above that the Wicked witch was lacking in wickedness.

Ashley Banjo was out tonight (which was why I booked). For the amount of dancing the tin man does, his casting is rather odd. The tin man did get a lot of enthusiastic whoops when he did his dance as he was oiled up.

Haven't sat in the grand circle at the Palladium for quite a while and I'm glad I booked an aisle seat because those towd are packed in aren't they?!

[theatrenerd]

Birmingham Hippodrome dates added to the tour - 11 to 16 June 2024

[danb]

Just on the Lizzie back to the car from this. I knew that it would be slight and garish, and it was. I zoned out several times but there were enough moments of joy to make it worthwhile for £25. I enjoyed most of the performances but agree that Di Pilkington could have made more impact and poor Christina Bianco hanging about on her moped with eff all to do. When she finally got to sing ‘Already Home’ the place erupted. I’ll be interested to see who does the tour…

[marob]

After saying I’d be waiting on the tour I couldn’t resist those £10 front row tickets (now £20.) Then I read how awful the view is and got them to move me two rows back to row C, still somewhat restricted but at £45 it’s still cheaper than the £75 the Liverpool Empire want for the equivalent seat over Christmas.

I wouldn’t say it’s a great show, but it’s certainly a lot of fun. As ever with this type of thing I’ve forgotten pretty much all of the added songs except Nobody Understands Me. Made me wish they’d included The Jitterbug. The projections are the kind of plasticky CGI you used to get on DVD menus 20 years ago, but I heard a little girl across the aisle say “it’s like you’re really there” so I guess they’re good enough. I wasn’t keen on the photos but I think the kinda 40s/50s Americana design works better in the actual show.

Could have done without Ashley Banjo’s Diversity bit, but Manford was great at wringing every bit of humour out of the Lion. Nice to see Louis Gaunt as the Scarecrow having seen him a few years back in the Royal Exchange’s Gypsy. I saw Georgina in Cinderella but only in the ensemble, so it’s good to see her shine here. I don’t get how Christina Bianco isn’t a huge star. Never seen Dianne Pilkington before, but you can tell she’s loving camping it up as the witch. One thing that really made me laugh was Toto is actually quite vicious and goes for the throats of a few of the guards.

There was a show stop at the point where the witch fires her broomstick at the scarecrow. Louis Gaunt ran offstage, followed by Georgina Onuora, and then a stage manager came onstage to stop the show for a few minutes. They got a laugh when the curtain was raised the way they shuffled out in unison back to where they were at the front of the stage and Dianne Pilkington said something like “now where was I.” She fired the broomstick again and one of the Winkies ran on with a fire extinguisher. Not sure what the issue was really. Just a missing prop?

[FrontroverPaul]

We were at the 5pm performance yesterday, in £10 (was £89.50, now £20) front row seats, the two directly behind the conductor.

I've sat there regularly for the pantomime but the stage seemed both higher and deeper for ... Oz. That said the view was much better than I feared, you don't see many feet but most of the action is on the front half of the stage and it's super up close for the best bits and special effects/fireworks. My shorter-than-me partner said she also had no complaints.

If I'd paid the original price I would have been disappointed and I'm sure that closer to the outer edges of the rows the restriction is worse but for us it was just a great fun evening at a silly cheap price. (Nobody moved at the interval and there were children in the side blocks.)

Started about 10 minutes late. I asked the conductor - exceptionally animated including his hair !! - the reason and he said a piece of scenery was damaged in the previous performance and it was only just repaired in time, that must link to the show stop marob experienced.

Incidentally the wonderful Elizabeth Line to Bond Street is now the absolute best way to reach the Palladium by public transport, avoiding the oppressive Victoria line to Oxford Circus. The Hanover Square exit is less than 5 minutes walk away and the Square itself has plenty of seating in a lovely green oasis.

[Mark]

I was there too, the Wicked Witch Industries set piece hadn’t rotated so wasn’t in place for the melting scene, and I believe that’s why the show stopped.

I thought everyone in the cast was great with the exception of Ashley Banjo, who was dire. Thought especially Georgina had a wonderful voice.

I really liked the energy of it all and the quirkiness of the production. Especially the Munchkinland scene - great fun. It’s a very uneven show, I definitely think ALW missed a trick not writing a new number for Dorothy in Act 2, which is very uneven.

[danb]

Aug 7, 2023 8:05:46 GMT FrontroverPaul said:

We were at the 5pm performance yesterday, in £10 (was £89.50, now £20) front row seats, the two directly behind the conductor.

I've sat there regularly for the pantomime but the stage seemed both higher and deeper for ... Oz. That said the view was much better than I feared, you don't see many feet but most of the action is on the front half of the stage and it's super up close for the best bits and special effects/fireworks. My shorter-than-me partner said she also had no complaints.

If I'd paid the original price I would have been disappointed and I'm sure that closer to the outer edges of the rows the restriction is worse but for us it was just a great fun evening at a silly cheap price. (Nobody moved at the interval and there were children in the side blocks.)

Started about 10 minutes late. I asked the conductor - exceptionally animated including his hair !! - the reason and he said a piece of scenery was damaged in the previous performance and it was only just repaired in time, that must link to the show stop marob experienced.

Incidentally the wonderful Elizabeth Line to Bond Street is now the absolute best way to reach the Palladium by public transport, avoiding the oppressive Victoria line to Oxford Circus. The Hanover Square exit is less than 5 minutes walk away and the Square itself has plenty of seating in a lovely green oasis.

Likewise the new ‘Tottenham Court Rd’ sneaky station, a good 250 metres before the end of Oxford Street. Whilst you still walk the same distance you’re underground and out of the rain!