Dorothy and Toto are lesbian schoolgirls. A policeman wants the courage to come out. A dried-up leather queen, played by Scott Davenport, wants a heart. A dizzy window-dresser desperately needs some brains. And only agony aunt Marge Propps (sic) can help them. No my dear, we are most certainly not in Kansas any more.
Eric Presland and David Harrod's reworking of The Wizard Of Oz was written in 1988 as a witty protest against Section 28, and this new production is a timely reminder that the legislation still exists. And as pills go, it's a deliciously sugared one - Harrod's music is sometimes brilliant but always tuneful, and Presland's lyrics have plenty of spring and bounce.
The book (also by Presland) needs some pruning (there are too many lags, and a pop number that nearly grinds the show to a halt) but somehow manages always to keep you rooting for the good guys.
On the first night, not all of the cast were sure of their roles, but Annie Overton (a charming and unsentimental Dorothy) and Nicola Gossip (a beautifully characterised Toto) held everything together with flair.
Dorothy's Travels
