ShayShay talks The Witches of Oz

Following the success of Mulan Rouge, director, writer and choreographer ShayShay has created The Witches of Oz is a queer sequel to L. Frank Baum’s iconic world of witches, rainbows and magical slippers, presented as a dinner theatre experience at The Vaults under Waterloo station in London.

Why did you want to host an immersive dinner experience in the Emerald City?

The magical setting of Oz is perfect for an immersive experience. The Emerald City is known for its opulence and abundance, so it just made sense to present a massive feast in this space. And The Vaults is the ideal place to make this magical world come to life. When you come to The Vaults, you really feel like you’re not in London, but instead in another world.

Why should audiences come and take part in Witches of Oz?

I want everybody to leap into this brand-new all-queer version of Oz! Everyone is welcome to join us over the rainbow, and beyond the binary. If you love “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz”, you’ll love all the references scattered throughout the show. However, even if you don’t know the franchise, you’ll love the pop culture references and the music, which features hits from the 70s-today!

Did you love watching the Wizard of Oz growing up and who was your favourite character?

I grew up watching “The Wizard of Oz” on repeat, literally burning through my VHS tape, so to be able to bring an all-queer re-imagining of that world to life is a very full circle moment. Like many young queer people, I saw myself in Judy Garland’s Dorothy

What’s your favourite moment or quote from the production?

Without giving away the ending, there is a megamix of hit songs featured that gives each character a chance to show off how hot they are in their own unique way. The megamix was also made cast member Gabe Swarbrick (a.k.a. The Fat Black Duchess), who is part of an incredible band Comanavago.

What’s next for you?

I am currently expanding my work into television! I plan on bringing the colour and excitement of my cabaret, drag, and immersive theatre background onto the silver screen. But I will be certainly be back in immersive theatre too, giving queer makeover to all our favourite fairytales! Which world will I tackle next? Neverland? Wonderland? Under the sea? You’ll have to wait and see.

The Witches of Oz runs until mid January 2023, for more info or to book tickets please see the venue website https://www.thevaults.london/the-witches-of-oz