The Wizard Of Oz | St Helens Theatre Royal

It’s October half term, the kids are off school, and the weather is feeling perfectly autumnal. What better way to keep them entertained than with a pantomime they know and love? This season, St Helens Theatre Royal brings a touch of magic to the stage with its autumn pantomime, The Wizard of Oz.

The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy Gale as she’s swept away from her Kansas home by a tornado and lands in the magical land of Oz. Determined to find her way back home, she sets off down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the mysterious Wizard, joined by three new friends, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion, each searching for something they long for. Along the way, they encounter The Wicked Witch of the West, plenty of laughter, and a few lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of home.

Staying as faithful to the classic as it gets in panto land, this version of The Wizard of Oz sticks closely to the beloved film and stage adaptations we all know, but with a sprinkling of modern twists. From contemporary pop songs to nods to today’s popular culture, it delivers the laughs and audience reactions that every good pantomime thrives on. Expect everything from quips about Keir Starmer, witty The Traitors references to jokes about munchkins being nothing more than rejected Labubus, and even a viral TikTok dance thrown in for good measure. 

Produced and directed by Chantelle Joseph, The Wizard of Oz boasts a clever mix of musical numbers, featuring ‘Ease On Down the Road’ from The Wiz and ‘One Short Day’ from Wicked. Of course, it wouldn’t be a pantomime without a few extra tunes thrown in for fun, from Bat Out of Hell to the latest guilty pleasure, K-Pop Demon Hunters. Audiences young and old were especially delighted to sing along to Golden and Soda Pop, adding to the show’s energetic, feel-good atmosphere.

With scenic and costume designs provided by Regal Entertainments, The Wizard of Oz bursts to life in a dazzling display of colour and creativity. The set design is bold and vibrant, supported by an impressive video design, perfectly capturing the magical essence of Oz, from the golden glow of the Yellow Brick Road to the rich emerald hues of the great city itself. Costumes reflect each character’s unique nature and personality, Dorothy’s gingham charm, The Scarecrow’s playful patchwork, The Tin Man’s gleaming metal, and The Cowardly Lion’s expressive mane, bringing the story’s fantastical world vividly to life. 

Leading the cast as Dorothy is Chantelle Morgan, who anchors the production with her impressive vocals in ‘Over the Rainbow’ while perfectly capturing Dorothy’s innocence. David Heath shines as The Scarecrow, stealing every scene with boundless energy and providing the comic relief that keeps the audience laughing. Shea Ferron brings depth to the Tin Man, putting his heart into every moment on stage; his powerful vocals, recently recognised at the International Musical Eisteddfod, resonate throughout the production.

Conor Barrie delivers a roaring performance as The Lion, perfectly balancing humour and vulnerability. Panto veteran Warren Conley plays The Wizard with calm confidence, perfectly fulfilling the role’s needs without overshadowing the rest of the cast. Katy McKenna is a menacingly captivating Wicked Witch of the West, while Hayley Russell, known for her powerful vocals on tour with Celebrity Big Brother runner-up and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Danny Beard, enchants as Glinda, radiating warmth and magic whilst showcasing her versatility within the industry.

With the success of Wicked on the big screen last year showing no signs of slowing, and its highly anticipated sequel just weeks away, it’s a clever move to stage a show audiences are falling in love with all over again. This production keeps that magic alive. So click your heels, follow the Yellow Brick Road, and enjoy a panto bursting with fun, laughter, and a touch of Oz magic.

The Wizard of Oz plays at St Helens Theatre Royal until 31st October 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review