A fresh and emotionally resonant take on a classic tale is captivating audiences in the heart of the Lake District this Christmas. Sonia Jalaly's new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick transports Dorothy on a journey of self-realisation, set against a backdrop of brisk songs and cartoonish fun.
A Rebellious Dorothy in the Lakes
This is not the Kansas you remember. In this inventive update, thirteen-year-old Dorothy, portrayed with compelling emotional truth by Nimi Spiff, is a Cumbrian resident dreaming of escape. While most visitors flock to Keswick for its famous mountains and cream cakes, Dorothy yearns for the bustling hubbub of London.
Grieving for her mother and fantasising about her absent father, she is determined to run away to the capital for Christmas. Her plans are dramatically altered, however, when a fierce Lake District storm brews. Making a break through an upstairs window, she is propelled not to London, but on a fantastical adventure to the land of Oz.
A Journey Through Anger and Belonging
While all the beloved characters from L. Frank Baum's original story are present—including punky flying monkeys—Jalaly's script cleverly frames the narrative as a tale of anger management. Dorothy's unprocessed grief threatens to curdle into a deep-seated rage, a vulnerability that the Wicked Witch of the West (Emma Jay Thomas) is eager to exploit.
Her quest to meet the Wizard, played by Michael Hugo, becomes a profound lesson in resilience. She discovers that the Wizard is as much of a disappointment as her long-lost father, forcing her to find courage and resourcefulness within herself. The core message is clear: home is not a physical location, but where the heart finds its anchor.
Stage Magic and Thematic Weight
The production, directed by Sarah Punshon, features a striking visual design by Yoav Segal. The wintry trees and craggy skyline of the Lake District seamlessly transform into a world of spangly turquoise Munchkins and the lime-green grandeur of the Emerald City.
Nimi Spiff charts a convincing path from rebellious teenager to a confident young adult, delivering spirited vocal performances along the way, despite some of Ziad Jabero's songs being overly wordy. The production shines brightest in its more serious moments. The stage-engulfing flap of the Wicked Witch's black cloak and the hi-tech spectacle of the Wizard's lair bring a gripping intensity that truly captivates.
While the show's cartoonish humour sometimes minimises the story's urgency for older audiences, it remains a vibrant and thought-provoking family show. The Wizard of Oz continues its run at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, until 11 January.
