Oklahoma! – Wyndham’s Theatre, London

Oklahoma! exceeded all my expectations and is an incredible show! While I was initially sceptical of the “modern” and “edgy” descriptions I had heard about Director Daniel Fish, I was pleasantly surprised by the result.

The stage design was unique and artistic, with hardboard walls and floors adorned with minimalistic artwork of fields, and rifle racks adding to the genre. The creative freedom given to the designers was evident in moments such as the synchronised sound of ring pulls with the music. The use of stark white lighting both on stage and for the audience was a bold choice that paid off brilliantly. Some moments featured vivid colours without the usual warm lighting to highlight the actors’ faces, and this unconventional approach had a powerful impact. The contrast between the bright lights and the long periods of blackouts, occasionally accompanied by fairy lights, created a sensory experience for the audience.

The Sound Designer, Drew Levy, took advantage of these dark moments, having the actors perform with handheld microphones close to their mouths, evoking a unique ASMR-like effect. Additionally, the use of multiple speakers, creating a surround sound effect similar to the cinema, added an immersive audio dimension to the performance.

Sam Palladio, whom I recognised from the TV show Nashville, was a delight to see on stage as Curly. His gentle and effortless singing, accompanied by live guitar playing, was a treat for the senses. One standout moment was during “Pore Jud is Daid,” where Palladio’s singing in the darkness was combined with a live-streamed close-up projection on the back wall, creating a truly memorable scene. Patrick Vaill’s portrayal of Jud was absolutely outstanding, I do not have the words to do it justice, with the projection adding emotional depth and highlighting the tears and intensity of his performance, leaving a lasting impression on me.

I must also commend Paige Peddie as Ado Annie, James Patrick Davis as Will Parker, and Stavros Demetraki as Ali Hakim for delivering wonderful comedic moments that added levity to the show.

Although I could go on describing every detail of this fantastic production, I encourage you to experience it for yourself. While it remains true to the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein show we know and love, it manages to deliver so much more, making it a true master class in how to do a revival. I give Oklahoma! a solid five stars and urge everyone to go and witness this theatrical masterpiece.

This show was reviewed on the 14th July 2023.  Oklahoma! runs at the Wyndham’s Theatre until the 2nd September 2023.  Tickets available here: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! West End Musical (oklahomawestend.com)

***** stars

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Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Review – Oklahoma! – Wyndham’s Theatre, London – Box Office Radio