Saturday 7 January
On a dull and dreary January day in Leicester, my daughter Poppy and I went along to Curve’s relaxed perfomance of the Wizard of Oz and were transported on a dazzling journey along the Yellow Brick Road. It certainly brightened our day.
Before the show
A couple of weeks prior to the show, Curve sent over a relaxed performance guide, which described the building and what to expect on the day. Poppy is familiar with Curve as she dances with community group Sidekick Dance every Wednesday.
The guide also described the changes made to the environment and the show itself for the relaxed performance, such as announcements at a quieter level in the foyer, access to sensory toys, copies of the relaxed perfomance pack and where to find quiet spaces in the building.
Pictures of the seating in the theatre were included, which meant I was able to explain to Poppy in advance whereabouts she would be sitting.
Useful infomation about show timings and things we would expect to see or experience during the show were also included.
The story and sensory moments section of the guide were particularly useful for Poppy as we were able to talk through what to expect during the show.
Her favourite part of the pack was the show communication sheet, or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). We were able to print these off, cut them out, talk through the story and play with them in advance of our visit.
On arrival
We arrived at Curve early so we could pick up our tickets and have something to eat in the Green Room Cafe before the show. It was quiet and there was a really calm atmosphere around the building.
Staff in the Box Office and cafe were really helpful and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble.
All hand dryers in the toilets were switched off, with paper towels provided. These small things all make for a positive experience for people with sensory issues and can mean the difference between attending, or not.
We spent time in the cafe, and then moved to another seating area to relax before going into the show. An announcement was made to say the doors were open – 45 minutes before the show – which was great as it meant we were able to get into the theatre early and settle into our seats well before the show started.
What did Poppy think of the show?
Most of us know the story, having seen the Judy Garland original, but this was the first time for Poppy, so I was keen to see her reaction.
The first thing we noticed was the Wizard of Oz logo projected onto the front of the stage. Poppy instantly recognised this and felt at home. Indeed, Poppy has a keen affinity with logos, and so the use of them throughout the production really resonated with her.
Lights were left on low during the performance which gave Poppy reassurance, and I explained to her that the outer doors were open if we needed to leave.
The combination of the set design by Colin Richmond, Douglas O’Connell’s projection design and Lighting by Ben Cracknell really brought this production alive, using darker tones when in Kansas and really brightening the palette in Munchkinland, along the Yellow Brick Road and into Emerald City. Poppy really loved the way the colours popped on stage and watched in awe – it was wonderful to see her reaction.
She also loved the way the set quickly moved along, keeping her attention at all times.
The opening scenes unfolded in Kansas, and the audience got to meet Dorothy’s Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, played perfectly by Geoffrey Aymer and Jacqui Dubois.
Dorothy wanted to get away after Toto, her dog – controlled so wonderfully by Ben Thompson – was accused of biting a neighbour, and she didn’t feel like Uncle Henry and Aunt Em were listening to her.
After they had run away, Dorothy, played by Georgina Onuorah, sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow so exquisitely, she had Poppy hanging on every note. It had quite a profound effect on her.
Dorothy then met Professor Marvel, played by Mark Peachey, who also played the titular role. He guessed they were running away from home, and showed Dorothy the wonders of the world on a makeshift screen on his bike. That, and the ensuing storm and twister were incredible to watch and held Poppy’s gaze.
As the storm cleared and Dorothy and Toto arrived in Munchkinland, Poppy seemed excited by the arrival of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North played by Christina Bianco. She loved her pink outfit and motorbike.
Two legs belonging to the Wicked Witch of the East stuck out from the upside down house that Dorothy and Toto crawled out from and the Munchkins soon burst into song with Ding Dong the Witch is Dead – Poppy loved this number and was tapping her foot to the rhythm.
When the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Charlotte Jaconelli, arrived on her purple motorbike, Poppy was laughing when she used her matching purple broom to zap one of the Munchkins and Dorothy’s shoes. She was shouting ‘boo’ with each subsequent appearance.
Glinda advised Dorothy to follow the Yellow Brick Road to travel to Emerald City to meet the Wizard who would be able to help her get home. The projection and props in these scenes were just brilliant – Poppy decided the three platforms that formed the road reminded her of waltzers at the fair as they spun round.
The Yellow Brick Road crew – complete with blackbirds was a wonderful sight to behold.
The Scarecrow, played by Jonny Fines, appears on Dorothy’s journey and soon bursts into song – If I Only Had A Brain, Off To See The Wizard – Poppy loved his acrobatic character and his singing.
Dorothy invited Scarecrow to join her to see the Wizard of Oz so that he can get a brain. As they get further along the road they hear the Tin Man, played by Paul French, shouting ‘oil can!’ Poppy thought this was hilarious and was giggling away. Tin Man, with the gait of one you’d expect who was made of metal, joins Dorothy and Scarecrow in search of a heart ‘If I Only Had a Heart.’
The trio then come across Lion, played by Giovanni Spano. He faced up to them with his paws raised and so Dorothy bopped him on the nose, Poppy thought this was hilarious (sorry, Lion!). He joined them on their journey to meet with the Wizard of Oz in search of Courage ‘If I Only Had The Nerve.’
During the next scene, The Wicked Witch of The West put Dorothy and her friends to sleep in the Poppy fields. Poppy loved this part of the show with her name all over the scenery including Poppy Hill Motel and the Poppy Cola machine.
Glinda then cast a spell for snow and the characters woke up. Poppy enjoyed watching the magical scenes with the snow falling.
They finally reached Emerald City and the guard finally let them in when Dorothy showed him the ruby slippers. The citizens of Oz sang Merry Old Land of Oz – Poppy really enjoyed this and the sensory effect with the green costumes and props.
The Wicked Witch of the West appeared and zapped some of the citizens with her broom which caused Poppy to giggle again, she enjoyed the firework effect.
Dorothy and her friends managed to get into the Wizard’s studio. Poppy thought it was really funny when the lion fainted! The group was sent away by the Wizard to bring back the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick.
After the break, we were back in our seats, and Poppy’s favourite part of the show – the army of Winkies – the witches guards appeared. She joined in chanting ‘O-EE-YAH-EOH-AH’ with them!
The Witch zapped Dorothy and her friends and they started to twitch – much to Poppy’s delight. She enjoyed the Wicked Witch of the West singing opera as the Winkies danced in formation.
When the Wicked Witch gave Dorothy an hour to live, Dorothy sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow again, which captivated Poppy.
Dorothy’s friends come to rescue her dressed as Winkies. Dorothy managed to douse the Witch with water and she melted, much to Poppy’s delight! She joined in with the Winkies singing Hail! Hail! The Witch is Dead.
The friends go back to the Wizard with the broomstick, but the Wizard won’t see them. Toto then unplugged a power cable, revealing the Wizard.
Poppy liked the part when the Wizard told them they already had the things they were searching for, giving Scarecrow a certificate, Tin Man an Ace of Hearts and Lion a medal.
A spaceship arrived for the Wizard to take Dorothy home but he left without her!
Glinda told Dorothy that she had always been able to go home, she just needed to close her eyes, and click her heels 3 times and say ‘there’s no place like home.’ Needless to say, Poppy now wants a pair of sparkly ruby slippers!
When Dorothy arrived home and a rainbow appeared, Poppy got quite emotional. She was the first one on her feet to give the cast a standing ovation when they came on for the bow.
Poppy sat throughout the show wide-eyed at the spectacle before her. This production really was a feast for the eyes and ears – a true sensory delight.
The Wizard of Oz has one final show at Curve, Sunday 8 January at 2.15pm.
Poppy’s verdict
Poppy thought this show deserved 5 stars and 5 rainbows!
🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈
Poppy ready to watch The Wizard of Oz. Image: Tess Rushin
