The Wizard of Oz
- Paul Mackenzie
- Jul 26
- 2 min read
Daniel Bye, based on the Frank L Baum stories
Dukes Lancaster
Williamson Park, Lancaster
July 25-August 24, 2025; 2hrs 30mins
Outdoor theatre is now a common feature of summer in parks around the country, but the original is still the best.
The Dukes' walkabout production in Williamson Park has been a staple of Lancaster’s summer for almost 40 years. Started as an answer to the problem of attracting audiences indoors during the summer holidays, it has become one of the region’s most popular theatrical events.
This year there's an all-new retelling of The Wizard of Oz, which is a treat for all age groups. On the night we were there, the 450-strong, sold-out audience included plenty of school-age children with their families, as well as a number of older couples.
First-time audience members will love the madcap fun, beautiful setting and slick storytelling and regulars will enjoy the familiar humour, wordplay and clever touches.
The play, filled with original songs, unfolds in four locations around the park, including the steps of the landmark Ashton Memorial, which becomes the Emerald City.
The story, directed by Elvi Piper, is transplanted from Kansas to Lancaster and follows a surly Dorothy (Hope Yolanda) who is blown away in a storm while looking for her runaway dog, Toto.
There’s no mention of rainbows but her socks, shirt and the umbrellas in the opening number hint that we hare now somewhere over one. As she follows the yellow brick road she meets a host of peculiar characters, who help her to realise what’s really important while also discovering their heart, courage and brains.
It’s delightful stuff, presented with typical Dukes creativity and fun – nowhere more than on her arrival in Munchkinland, a brilliantly conceived and executed scene with many laughs.
Long-time Dukes favourites Helen Longworth (the Lion) and Gareth Cassidy (the Tin Man) are superb alongside impressive Dukes debutant Tori Burgess as the Scarecrow.
Lisa Howard is just sinister enough as the Evil Queen, while Matthew Ganley is clearly having fun as the wizard and as Nigel, one of the Evil Queen’s henchmen.
The sets are minimal but effective and the costumes, especially the Tin Man’s with its mohican of cutlery, have been thoughtfully put together to be entertaining but not a distraction.
The total running time is two and a half hours, including a 20 minute interval and the walks through the park between scenes.
More info and tickets (which must be booked in advance) here, and read guidance about the park show here.
