The Wizard Of Oz
London Palladium
Synopsis
Ever since Judy Garland appeared on the Silver Screen as Dorothy in the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz audiences around the world have been enchanted by the spectacular tale and as a result it is one that they keep coming back to time and time again. In the West End it has been Wicked that has kept Oz fans happy but by February 2011 it will be the turn of The Wizard of Oz itself to make an impression as it opens its doors at the London Palladium, clearly hoping to attract quite a crowd. With talent show winter Danielle Hope in the role of Dorothy (plus runner-up Sophie Evans on key dates), it has already drummed up a lot of interest well in advance of its opening.
The talent show in question was Over the Rainbow, the latest in a long line of BBC shows designed the find new West End stars, with previous incarnations including Any Dream Will Do, How do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and more. But it’s not just Danielle Hope and Sophie Evans providing the familiar sights at the London Palladium in 2011, with Hannah Waddingham, Edward Baker-Duly, Paul Keating, David Galy and Emily Tierney also amongst the cast. Then there is Michael Crawford, who will be stepping into an iconic role as he portrays the Wizard of Oz onstage.
In the musical we are introduced to Kansas farm girl Dorothy who, along with her dog Toto, is transported to the Land of Oz as her house is lifted from the ground by a ferocious tornado. Upon crash landing it soon transpires that she is in a magical kingdom and her arrival has caused the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, immediately putting her at odds with the Wicked Witch of the West. But all Dorothy wants is to return home and so she and Toto set off along the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City, where the mysterious Wizard of Oz can help. Along the way she meets some iconic characters, from the Scarecrow in need of a Brain and the Tin Man in need of a heart, to a Cowardly Lion.
L Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been adapted many times before and whilst the 1939 musical movie is the most famous, it continues to find new fans thanks to some wonderful revivals like this.
The Wizard of Oz begins its anticipated run at the London Palladium on Tuesday 29th March 2011 (previews from Monday 7th February 2011).
Discounted Tickets
Valid Tuesday to Friday 3rd January until the 30th March. (includes Sunday matinees from the 26th February)
Valid Tuesday to Friday 3rd January until the 30th March. (includes Sunday matinees from the 26th February)
Venue Information
London Palladium
Argyll Street
London
W1V 1AD
View Map
Directions
Take the Victoria, Jubilee or Central line to Oxford Circus station and exit onto Argyll street. The theatre is a 2 minute walk.
