The Wizard of Oz, Tyne Theatre Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Enchanted Entertainment’s Easter pantomime The Wizard of Oz at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a spellbinding whirlwind of laughter, music, and magic – a wonderful fusion of classic storytelling and modern pantomime flair that leaves audiences grinning from ear to ear.
From the outset, it’s clear this isn’t your traditional Wizard of Oz. The iconic ruby slippers, yellow brick road, and Emerald City are all present, but they’re joined by pop songs, playful humour, slapstick antics, and a generous helping of glitter. This is a madcap, heartfelt retelling full of energy and imagination – a vibrant twist on the classic tale that is perfectly pitched for family audiences during the Easter holidays.
Ellena Bacon as Dorothy leads the way, bringing a natural warmth and sincerity to the role. She captures Dorothy’s mix of curiosity, kindness, and determination with a charm that makes her journey through Oz easy to root for. Bacon’s performance feels genuine and grounded, offering a relatable centre to the fantastical adventure unfolding around her.
Steve Royle, beloved Britain’s Got Talent finalist, is an absolute revelation as the Scarecrow – a whirlwind of comedic brilliance, physical agility, and irresistible charm. His performance is a masterclass in panto clowning, blending sharp wit and expert timing with seemingly effortless ease. Royle doesn’t just perform to the audience – he connects with them, chatting, teasing, and riffing in a way that feels spontaneous and completely natural, like a hilarious friend you've known for years. His juggling skills – seamlessly woven into the chaos – are a particular crowd-pleaser, showcasing not just his dexterity but his ability to surprise and delight. Whether he’s clowning around the stage, trading jabs with the cast, or ad-libbing with a cheeky wink, Royle commands every moment with warmth, confidence, and sheer comic joy.
Stevi Ritchie, of X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother fame, takes on the role of the Tin Man with charisma and commitment. He brings a strong stage presence and injects the character with a likeable mix of earnestness and comic flair. Ritchie’s timing and physicality suit the role well, and his interpretation of the Tin Man strikes a balance between heartfelt and humorous. His delivery is packed with personality, adding a playful musical twist that keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout.
Lewis Denny delivers a delightfully entertaining turn as the Cowardly Lion, blending his trademark local humour with infectious energy. Known for his popular “Karen the Mam” character, Denny brings a familiar, playful presence to the stage that resonates well with the audience. His Lion is warm, silly, and full of personality, striking the right balance between comedy and charm. With well-timed ad-libs and a natural ease in engaging the crowd, Denny proves himself a confident performer who knows how to keep the audience smiling without overshadowing the ensemble.
Hollie Swain shines as Glinda the Good Witch, bringing not only elegance and warmth to the role but also a truly impressive vocal performance. Her singing is a standout feature – clear, controlled, and effortlessly melodic, adding a touch of enchantment every time she takes the spotlight. Swain’s voice elevates her scenes, lending a musical theatre polish that complements the show's playful energy. She delivers Glinda with poise and charm, balancing sweetness with confidence, and her interactions with Dorothy are sincere and nurturing. Whether offering guidance or delivering a show-stopping number, Swain brings both vocal prowess and graceful presence to the stage.
The Wicked Witch, played with delicious menace by Joelle Moses, adds just the right amount of fright for the younger audience members, without veering into nightmare territory. Her villainy is grand and theatrical, and her vocals and stage presence make her every appearance electric.
Jamie Riding is a standout as the Wicked Witch’s henchman, bringing a quirky, scene-stealing presence to every moment he’s on stage. With exaggerated expressions, playful physicality, and razor-sharp comedic instincts, he turns a supporting role into a real highlight of the show. Riding strikes that classic panto balance between endearing and ridiculous, and his interactions with both the Witch and the audience are perfectly pitched for laughs. Whether bumbling through orders or getting caught up in the chaos, he brings a brilliant energy that lifts every scene he's in and adds an extra layer of fun to the villainous antics.
Visually, the show is a treat. Vibrant backdrops, dazzling costumes, and lively choreography fill the stage with colour and motion. The production doesn’t rely on elaborate technical wizardry, but it doesn’t need to – the cast’s energy and the clever direction keep the momentum brisk and the atmosphere magical. The live ensemble of local children as Munchkins adds heartwarming authenticity and community spirit to the piece.
The musical numbers are a grab-bag of pop favourites and musical theatre classics, smartly tailored to each character. Audiences are treated to everything from toe-tapping group numbers to unexpected pop mashups – all performed with infectious enthusiasm. The cast are seasoned pros at audience engagement, making children feel seen and grown-ups feel included without veering into overkill. If there’s a slight critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally dips with some extended comedy routines that could benefit from a trim – but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise high-energy, joy-filled production.
This Wizard of Oz is a dazzling Easter treat – a vibrant, family-friendly panto with heart, humour, and a whole lot of sparkle. Whether you’re revisiting the Land of Oz or discovering it for the first time, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and maybe even a few lyrics stuck in your head.
★★★★
