The Wizard of Oz

Overview

The story of The Wizard of Oz is one of the best-loved of all, thanks in great part to the awardwinning 1939 MGM musical fantasy film starring Judy Garland (pictured). The film has been named the most watched motion picture of all time and is continuously ranked in the top ten films in history. This version of the show is a hugely successful adaptation which John Kane originally wrote for the Royal Shakespeare Company, based on the novel and with music and lyrics from the MGM Motion Picture Score by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg.

Dorothy Gale is a teenager who lives on a Kansas farm who daydreams of going "over the rainbow." Along with her house and her dog Toto, she is swept up by a tornado which drops her in the beautiful Land of Oz. Here she befriends a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion and together they set off down the Yellow Brick Road to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz, each hoping he will be able to grant them their heart’s desire. But en route they are forced to contend with the Wicked Witch of The West who will stop at nothing to prevent them from reaching the wizard and getting her hands on  Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers.

The world famous score includes many show‑stopping songs such as Over The Rainbow, If I Only Had A Brain, We’re Off To See The Wizard and Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead. After last year’s success with Guys and Dolls and the NODA award-winning Snoopy (Best Musical Production), Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society returns to the Theatre Royal with this  charming musical which is perfect entertainment for all the family. The company’s other recent shows have included their award-winning production of Oliver!, The Pirates of Penzance and The Gondoliers.