Dorothy, Tine Man, scarecrow and lion in wizard of oz

KD Theatre’s Wizard of Oz Pantomime Review

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KD Theatre’s Wizard of Oz

We were invited along to the press night opening show of KD Theatre’s Wizard of Oz Pantomime at Harlow Playhouse. What a truly awesome show it was! Their Easter show is running from 1st April across various theatres until the 5th of June. Harlow Playhouse in Essex is a fantastic theatre with tiered Stadium seating meaning we had a great clear view of the stage from our seat. They couldn’t have been more warm and welcoming, it was a lovely theatre.

KD Theatre Productions

KD Theatre Productions Ltd is a production company, producing a variety of work across the UK. They specialise in Family Theatre & Pantomime. The company have a passion for producing work of the highest quality and encouraging a new generation of theatre goers.

Touring family theatre has become a major part of the companies’ annual calendar with productions of well known favourites touring venues and open-air spaces across the UK during Spring, Summer and Autumn holidays.

The wizard of oz programme in front of the stage

The Show

Everybody knows and loves the story of The Wizard of Oz. Young Dorothy Gale is transported to a magical land during a tornado, killing the wicked witch with her house, before setting off on her quest along the yellow brick road to find the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City.

Our journey started in Kansas, at the Gale’s Farm. We met Dorothy, her family and Buttercup the cow with her hidden talent. Right from the start we were laughing our heads off. The whole show was so comical, full of amazing singing, dancing and sparkling costumes.

Characters on stage in KD Theatre's Wizard of Oz, including Fanny Galore

The Cast

The cast were fantastic, a fairly small cast but each character played their part perfectly, right through to the ensemble who very cleverly played several roles. We couldn’t help falling in love with Dorothy, the adorable pug Toto and of course her sidekicks, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. Scarecrow in particular shone in his role, he played the role to perfection and we couldn’t help but warm to his loveable character. Glinda Galore the good witch was played by Fanny Galore. Glinda’s costumes were spectacular, I didn’t keep count of her costumes changes, but each one dazzled and sparkled on stage. I had complete dress envy. Fanny’s character had us all laughing and giggling with a few jokes added in for us adults too.

Dorothy and scarecrow in the KD Theatre's Wizard of Oz panto in Essex

I’ve never laughed out loud so much during one show, my cheeks were hurting afterwards. Equally the kids really enjoyed it too, joining in singing and dancing along. One of the highlights had to be, the Wicked Witch and Glinda’s dance off, they had us all up joining in and the results were hilarious. A thoroughly good time was had by all!!

It had it all, the perfect combination of laughs, music, singing, dancing, a good dollop of audience participation and a sprinkling of glitter! Practically the perfect panto!

We absolutely loved every minute of KD Theatre’s Wizard of Oz. It was a really professional show, very cleverly done with current music as well as more traditional musical numbers. The stage design was simple, yet bright and fun and worked perfectly for the show. This was an all round great Pantomime and I have no problems recommending this for some great family fun!

Tour dates:

  • 1st – 5th April – Harlow Playhouse
  • 7th – 8th April – The Maltings, Ely
  • 9th April – Thameside Theatre, Grays
  • 10th April – Castle Theatre Wellingborough
  • 13th April – Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering
  • 14th April – New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
  • 15th April – Camberley Theatre
  • 16th April – Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
  • 17th April – Whiterock Theatre, Hastings
  • 23rd April, Civic Theatre, Stourport
  • 24th April – Grange Theatre, Northwich
  • 30th April – 1st May – Radlett Centre
  • 28th May -The Atkinson, Southport
  • 29th May – Birmingham Old Rep
  • 30th May – Bridlington Spa
  • 1st June – Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
  • 3rd June – Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
  • 4th June – Towngate Theatre, Basildon
  • 5th June – Albany Theatre, Coventry

For more information or to book tickets, please visit KDs Theatre Productions website.

Check out my blog for more ideas of free and cheap family days out.

Emma Mitchell and little miss eden rose at wizard of oz pantomime

We were gifted out tickets but all comments and opinions are strictly my own.

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