Wicked Wizard of Oz: A Cirque Spectacular

Today, the Brighton Centre is hosting Wicked Wizard of Oz: A Cirque Spectacular, a production that attempts to bridge the gap between a traditional British pantomime and a modern circus. It’s a staging of the classic story that features Kevin Orkian, the comedian and pianist, in the role of the Wizard. The show is built around an international arena format, incorporating aerial stunts, comedy, and music. Alongside the usual characters like Dorothy and the Scarecrow, the performance includes various circus acts, such as clowns and even cowboys stacking crates, all set within the large-scale environment of Brighton’s main seafront venue.

The reception so far has been a bit of a talking point among locals. The initial premiere on the 16th of December was reportedly quite rocky, with several attendees noting technical failures, sound issues, and significant delays. This led to a wave of mixed feedback, with some people even asking for their money back. Since then, reports indicate that the production has found its feet and the technical execution has improved in subsequent shows. There is still a bit of a conversation happening regarding the marketing; the high-production trailers promised something akin to Cirque du Soleil, but many who have seen it describe the result as more of a "glorified pantomime" than a high-end acrobatic feat.

For those considering a trip to the Brighton Centre, which has a capacity for about 4,000 people, the show is clearly aimed at families and children. Tickets are priced from £30 up to £75, which is a factor many are weighing up against the production style. While the acrobatic elements provide a different flavour to the standard panto, the core of the show remains focused on child-friendly entertainment and comedy. It’s an option for a family outing, provided you go in knowing that it leans more towards variety theatre and clowning than a purely professional circus display.