Designed by Simon Kenny, The Wiz has opened at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and has been met with critical acclaim. See what some reviewers had to say:
***** The Stage
“This is a vibrant fantasy world but one with serious subtextual layers created by Simon Kenny”
“The design is part of a rich and nuanced seam of cultural and political references flowing beneath this yellow brick road.”
***** Musical Theatre Review
“If this production doesn’t go on to be The Wiz’s first outing in London’s West End there is no justice in the world.”
“Simon Kenny’s graffiti-esque design … leaves maximum space on Hope Mill’s stage for Leah Hill’s dazzling choreography.”
**** The Times
“Simon Kenny’s designs are splashy and fun”
“operating on a tight budget, (the) creative team manage to work wonders”
**** The Telegraph
“a spectacular reminder of the necessity of black creativity, joy, and love.”
“Everyone involved in the production contributed to a sense of immersion so deep I felt as though I were in Oz myself.”
“a warm and wondrous ode to Black joy”
“joyous, liberating, colourful, upbeat, and contemporary. It’s big, bold, brassy, and with a whole lot of heart.”
“Simon Kenny’s set is clever and creative”
The rest of the creative team for The Wiz consists of: Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls; Produced by Hope Mill Theatre and Ameena Hamid; Directed by Matthew Xia; Choreography by Leah Hill; Design by Simon Kenny; Costume by Maybelle Layne; Lighting by Simisola Majekodunmi; Sound design by Tony Gale.