I have read some of the negative comments, maybe because we had such brilliant seats we were not distracted by the audience noise. We were sitting on the second row from the front so everything was visible. My grangdaughter aged 5, who had recently watched the film loved every minute of it which is a recommendation when compared with the film. I think it was possibly not suitable for a very young child, the dialogue and Kansas accent possibly was too mature for under 5's.

We went to the matinee performance on the 2nd January 2009

After reading some of the reviews on here, we were apprehensive about going to see the Xmas Eve production. However, we thought it was fantastic! Very well acted and very true to the film. We left feeling full of the holiday spirit!
Brilliant production

The Wizard Of Oz is a mission technically and hats off to the crew first off who pull that together - almost every cutaway shot was realised - on stage! that's amazing in itself.
I loved the black and white set and costumes at the begining/end, the Oz reveal became oh so more colourful.
I loved the fact that it wasn't a he's behind you show, but also loved the fact that kids shouted it anyway, lots of hand clapping, singing and booing. Well it is xmas. The cast don't react to the audience in that sense, so if that's what your looking for, head down to town for peter pan. If you want to recapture the magic that is Oz, then this is a must see show. I'm 39 and i can tell you there was a lump in my throat at the end.
The dancers were good, tight and full of energy. Well done the tree girls ! Flying monkies, flying witches, flying glinda, smoke explosions and fireballs flying through the air ! what's not too like, it's what you expected and this cast delivered.
Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland) was amazing, her Gulch was so spot on it was a bit spooky, and as for the witch - you have to see for yourself just how good she does that.
Scarecrow did very well, his voice, inflection was again spot on, same with tin man, and lion, oh the lion, big shoes to fill those, but i loved what he did with it, some of the delivery was just perfect, King of the Forest, great.
I could go on, but think i've done plenty here, this is a true faithful version of the film, and for me it should always be done like that. there are just some stories that should'nt be panto'd this is one of them. Cast, crew and production team, well done. I've already re-booked for a fortnights time. Well done to all. And TOTO too cute - yes a real TOTO !

The Wizard of Oz pantomime at the Lowry Theatre was ok but not great. Its had very energetic songs that got everyone involved but i felt that it was a bit dragged out. The whole day as well works out pretty expensive when its for a whole family.