There is a sense of excitement around the Long Gallery at Christmas at Blenheim Palace. Traditionally the final point of the indoor immersive trail it is where audiences get to interact with a charismatic character – so we knew we needed to pull out all the stops for 2025! This year we were tasked with bringing Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto to life, ensuring the character was recognisable and beloved, while remaining faithful to L. Frank Baum’s original book descriptions rather than the Hollywood film adaptation.

What We Did

Working closely with Culture Creative, we designed playful, accessible interactions for Dorothy and Toto, giving audiences opportunities to meet, engage, and take part in light-hearted, character-driven moments. Costume and puppet design were carefully reviewed with the lead designer to achieve authenticity while allowing performers full mobility and expressive interaction. The performance balanced inclusivity, gentle humour, and theatrical presence, ensuring the experience resonated with audiences of all ages.

The Result

Our Dorothy character surpassed audience expectations for warmth, charm, and interactivity, creating a memorable finale to the indoor trail. Immersive set design and the narrative flow of the Palace of Oz trail, reinforced Blenheim Palace’s reputation for high-quality, family-friendly indoor Christmas experiences.