ShayShay is the writer, director and choreographer of The Witches of Oz, a brand-new immersive experience combining comedy, cabaret, dining, and a sprinkle of political rivalry.
One of the most well-respected creatives on the East London drag and queer scene, ShayShay has directed a technicolour marvel inspired by L. Frank Baum’s iconic world of witches, rainbows, and magical slippers. As a mixed race, Japanese-American/Irish queer person, ShayShay’s original work celebrates themes of identity, gender diversity and Asian experiences as well as wider social issues.
The Emerald City is in a state of glittering turmoil, it’s the classic Good vs. Wicked, blending theatre, dining and drag. In an ‘Emerald Glam’ attire, guests are invited to dine at The Wonderful Feast of Oz, a three-course meal fit for the all-powerful Oz, including Broccolollipops, Yellow Brick Rocky Road and Black Magic cocktails. With a chance to forever change the future of Emerald City, the audience will be invited to cast their vote for who will be the next Witch of Oz.
The Witches of Oz is running at The Vaults until 15th January 2023.
You’re bringing The Witches of Oz to The Vaults, what can you tell us about the show?
‘The Witches of Oz’ is part-panto, part-jukebox musical, and pure camp, filled with drag, dance, and live-singing. It’s a Wicked/Wizard of Oz sequel that takes place twenty years after the when the magical land is threatened by the blizzard of Oz! An all-grown-up, nonbinary Dorothey returns to Oz to find the Witches in a fierce battle for control of Oz. Will Dorothey’s return tip the scales for Good or for Wicked?
What inspired you to create this show?
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. I’ve had an incredible cast of actors, drag artists, and cabaret performers, who have each contributed their energy, humour, and passion, making the show more outrageous but also more authentic.
Why do you think Frank L Baum’s original makes for a perfect all queer reimagining?
The “Wizard of Oz” is essentially a story about lost misfits coming together to find their way and, along the way, end up becoming a chosen family. With this iconic tale already being so beloved by the queer community, I wanted to make it explicitly queer, complete with gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and trans characters!
You’re also directing, what are the challenges you’ve faced with an immersive show that’s also a dining experience?
Having already made two shows at The Vaults, including “Mulan Rouge,” I’ve managed to figure out the perfect structure that balances the storytelling with the fabulous feasting! I also have to take into account that people enjoying delicious cocktails throughout the night, so I have to pack all the essential info in early before people are too merry to pay as much attention to the details.
Why do you think The Vaults is the ideal venue for this show?
The tunnels of the Vaults are so versatile and mysterious. I’ve been working there for 3 years and I am still unsure of the layout! There is mysterious around every corner, and the spaces can magically transform into other worlds. You really feel like you’re out of London and into Oz when you enter into the Vaults for “The Witches of Oz”
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Witches of Oz?
Gather a group of friends for a full night out! It’s an immersive experience, so be sure to dress in your glammest green and take some photos with the gorgeous set by ‘Glowed Up’!
If you’re a fan of “Wicked” of “The Wizard of Oz”, you’ll adore the Easter eggs scattered throughout the show. But even if you don’t know the franchise, you’ll love the pop culture references and the music, which features hits from the 80s-today!
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!
