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Cult Musical ‘The Wiz’ comes to Manchester in “an effervescent explosion of Black joy and talent”

1st Dec, 2021
Stage

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

I Love Manchester

“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.”

**** The Guardian

"a warm and wondrous ode to Black joy"

Number 9 Reviews

“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.